The White House confirmed Friday that federal worker firings have started, intensifying President Donald Trump’s efforts to pressure Democrats as the government shutdown entered its 10th day.
Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), announced on social media that “RIFs have begun,” referring to planned reductions in force. He said the move aimed to “right-size” government and eliminate programs that no longer fit the president’s priorities.
In a court filing, OMB said more than 4,000 federal employees would lose their jobs. The largest cuts affect the Treasury Department with 1,400 layoffs and Health and Human Services with over 1,100. The Education, Housing and Urban Development, Commerce, Energy, and Homeland Security departments, along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are also reducing staff.
An Unusual Move During a Shutdown
Typically, federal workers are furloughed and later reinstated with back pay once the shutdown ends. This time, however, Trump’s team moved toward permanent layoffs. The shift marks a sharp escalation in tactics and deepens the standoff between the White House and Congress.
So far, about 750,000 employees have been furloughed nationwide. Yet the administration insists the layoffs are necessary to streamline operations and cut costs.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the firings would focus on “Democrat-oriented areas.” He claimed many of the positions were unnecessary and added, “We’ll announce more numbers soon.”
Critics Blast Political Motivation
Lawmakers from both parties condemned the decision.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, said, “This attempt to permanently lay off federal workers is unjustified and harmful.” She blamed both the White House and Democratic leaders for the ongoing impasse.
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski also criticized the plan, calling it “poorly timed and needlessly punitive.”
Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump was “choosing chaos.” He argued that the firings were a political stunt designed to punish public servants who “protect our country and inspect our food.”
Agencies Begin Sending Layoff Notices
By Friday, several agencies had already issued termination notices. The Education Department confirmed that its Office of Elementary and Secondary Education lost most of its lower-level staff.
At the Department of Homeland Security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) also began dismissing workers. DHS officials said the changes would help CISA “refocus on its mission.”
The EPA and Health and Human Services followed with similar actions. Administration officials argued that Democrats could stop the cuts “anytime” by voting to reopen the government.
Unions Fight Back
Federal employee unions responded swiftly. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) filed a lawsuit Friday, calling the federal worker firings illegal and politically motivated.
AFGE President Everett Kelley said, “The administration is using the shutdown as an excuse to fire hardworking people who serve the public every day.”
According to union filings, the Treasury Department plans to terminate another 1,300 employees next week. The union urged a federal judge to block the layoffs and protect the remaining workforce.
Shutdown Negotiations Remain Frozen
While agencies delivered pink slips, talks on Capitol Hill made no progress. Both chambers adjourned for the weekend, leaving federal workers in limbo.
Republicans continued to press Democrats to back a temporary funding bill. However, Democrats demanded a firm commitment to extend healthcare benefits before reopening the government.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said, “It’s time for Democrats to show courage.” In contrast, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray accused Trump of “inventing powers he doesn’t have.”
Meanwhile, frustration is growing among moderates in both parties. Many say the federal worker firings have only worsened the political divide.
Experts Warn of Long-Term Damage
The Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan watchdog, warned that the government is losing crucial expertise. Since Trump took office, more than 200,000 civil servants have already left through retirements or resignations.
Max Stier, the group’s president, said, “These unnecessary firings will hollow out the federal workforce and cripple its ability to serve the public effectively.”
As the shutdown drags on, the White House shows no sign of backing down. Yet the growing fallout from the mass federal worker firings may soon test even Trump’s political allies.
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