Trump Administration Begins Layoffs of Federal Workers
The Trump administration has initiated the process of laying off federal employees amid a continuing government shutdown, with thousands of positions targeted.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) confirmed that “substantial” reductions in force (RIFs) have begun across multiple federal agencies. Officials informed a court filing that more than 4,000 positions were eliminated on Friday.
Affected Departments
Layoff notices have been issued to employees in key departments including Health and Human Services, Education, Commerce, Treasury, and others. Some roles were declared redundant or similar to tasks already performed elsewhere in those agencies.
Context: Shutdown and Strategy
The layoffs come during a protracted shutdown caused by Congress failing to pass a funding bill. The administration views the cuts as part of a broader attempt to pressure lawmakers and reduce what it calls unnecessary federal programs. Previous strategies during shutdowns usually relied more heavily on furloughs than permanent terminations.
Legal and Political Fallout
The move has drawn sharp criticism from unions, Democratic leaders, and some Republicans. Questions are being raised about legality, especially with regard to workers’ rights and whether proper procedures were followed.
Critics warn that cutting thousands of civil servants could weaken government capacity in health, education, and other public services. Some argue the administration is using the shutdown as a pretext for sweeping structural changes targeting agencies with policies the administration opposes.
