The ongoing government shutdown has prompted the White House budget office to initiate mass firings of federal workers, a maneuver seen as a strategy to pressure Democratic lawmakers. In a statement on social media platform X, Russ Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, confirmed that the “RIFs have begun,” indicating that reduction-in-force plans are now being implemented to shrink the federal workforce.
Just prior to the shutdown, which began on October 1, the White House signaled its intent to utilize aggressive layoffs as part of its strategy. Federal agencies were instructed to submit their reduction-in-force plans for review by the budget office. This move highlights the administration’s focus on reducing the size of the federal workforce, particularly targeting programs experiencing funding lapses due to the shutdown.
According to the White House, RIFs will focus on federal programs that are either unfunded or not aligning with the President’s priorities. This approach represents a significant shift in how the federal workforce is managed during periods of budgetary uncertainty, as the administration seeks to exert more influence over legislative negotiations and push for the passage of funding measures.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the nation at 5 p.m., and it is anticipated that his remarks will provide further insight into the government’s actions in response to the ongoing crisis and the impact of these layoffs on federal operations. As the situation evolves, lawmakers are expected to feel the pressure from both constituents and the administration as they navigate the complexities of budget negotiations amid a government shutdown.
