U.S. Begins Sweeping Layoffs Across Federal Workforce Amid Shutdown

Massive job cuts have begun across multiple U.S. federal agencies as the government shutdown drags into its second week, according to statements from the White House. Officials describe the firings as part of a broader “reduction in force” plan intended to reshape the civilian workforce under the Trump administration.

Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought confirmed on social media that “The RIFs have begun,” signaling that cuts are underway. While the full scale of rollbacks remains unclear, preliminary reports indicate agencies such as Health and Human Services, Treasury, Commerce, Education, and the Homeland Security Cybersecurity Division have already started issuing termination notices.

The administration says the job cuts are “substantial,” but has declined to release definitive numbers or timelines. Estimates suggest as many as 300,000 federal civilian positions could be eliminated this year as part of a larger downsizing campaign.

This wave of layoffs marks a dramatic shift from usual shutdown tactics, where most impacted employees are furloughed—temporarily placed on leave without pay—but typically reinstated when funding resumes. Instead, the administration is targeting permanent terminations, deepening the stakes of the funding impasse.

The layoffs come amid strategic pressure tactics by the Trump administration, which has already frozen billions in infrastructure funds for states with prominent opposition voices. Some observers see the personnel cuts as leverage in budget and political negotiations with Congress.

Labor unions representing federal workers have swiftly challenged the move in court, arguing the shutdown does not grant the president authority to issue mass firings. A hearing is set for later this month, where plaintiffs may ask for injunctions to block the cuts.

In Congress, Democrats have protested the aggression, accusing the administration of weaponizing public service employment for political aims. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the strategy, saying “every job lost, every family hurt, every service gutted is because of their decisions.”

If sustained, these cuts could severely hamper federal operations and public services. Critical agencies overseeing health programs, taxation, economic data, cybersecurity, and environmental oversight may struggle to maintain functions.

For affected employees, the shift from temporary furloughs to outright terminations means loss of protections, benefits, and the possibility of never returning to their roles—even when funding is restored.