Washington, 10 October 2025 — The Trump administration has moved forward with its decision to begin mass firings of federal employees during the government shutdown, escalating a political standoff that has already left hundreds of thousands furloughed.
In a post on the social media platform X, OMB Director Russ Vought announced that “Reduction in Force” (RIF) notices were being issued, marking a sharp departure from the traditional practice of temporary furloughs during shutdowns. Historically, federal workers have been reinstated with back pay once funding is restored.
Scope and Uncertainty
While Vought described the layoffs as “substantial,” the administration has not disclosed how many employees are affected or which agencies have been targeted. Early reports suggest that departments including Health and Human Services, Education, Treasury, and Homeland Security may be among those issuing notices, though details remain fluid.
Federal employees receiving RIF notices are entitled to 60 days’ warning before termination takes effect, raising questions about whether the layoffs will proceed if the shutdown ends before that period expires.
Political Fallout
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, unions, and even some Republicans, who argue that the administration is using federal workers as leverage in a partisan budget fight. The American Federation of Government Employees has already filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of permanent layoffs during a shutdown, calling the action “illegal and punitive.”
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said she “strongly opposes” the firings, warning they would harm families and undermine essential public services. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer accused the White House of “deliberately choosing chaos” by targeting workers who “protect our country, inspect our food, and respond to disasters.”
Shutdown Context
The government has been shuttered since October 1, after Congress failed to agree on a budget. Roughly 750,000 federal employees have already been furloughed, while essential staff such as air traffic controllers and border agents continue to work without pay. The administration has insisted that layoffs are necessary to cut “wasteful programs” and align federal spending with the president’s priorities.
Outlook
The layoffs mark an unprecedented escalation in shutdown tactics, raising the stakes for negotiations on Capitol Hill. With military paychecks due October 15 and no clear path to a funding deal, the pressure on lawmakers to resolve the impasse is intensifying.
Whether the RIF notices translate into permanent job losses will depend on how long the shutdown endures — and whether courts intervene to halt the administration’s strategy.
Sources: Associated Press; CBS News; Roll Call; PBS; WKYC.
