WASHINGTON: The White House has announced a sweeping wave of federal layoffs, marking a dramatic escalation in the ongoing US government shutdown. President Donald Trump has initiated what officials describe as “substantial cuts” across multiple departments — a move that could see around 300,000 federal workers lose their jobs this year.
According to White House Budget Director Russell Vought, the “reductions in force (RIFs)” have officially begun. The departments affected include the Treasury, Education, Commerce, and Homeland Security’s cybersecurity division, as well as the US Health and Human Services Agency.
The Trump administration claims the layoffs are part of a long-term downsizing campaign aimed at reducing government spending. However, critics argue the move is politically motivated, targeting “Democrat agencies” amid the shutdown. Trump has also ordered a freeze on $28 billion in infrastructure funds for New York, California, and Illinois, all Democrat-majority states.
Despite mounting pressure, Democrats remain defiant. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer stated, “Every job lost and every service cut is a result of Republican decisions.” Labour unions have already filed lawsuits to block the layoffs, arguing they are illegal during a shutdown. A federal court hearing is scheduled for October 16 to address the case.
Workers at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) — responsible for critical programs like disease monitoring and health insurance management — have begun receiving layoff notices, with nearly 41% of the staff furloughed. Similar cuts are expected at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Education, which Trump has vowed to close entirely.
The sweeping cuts have triggered nationwide concern over the impact on public services, from healthcare to taxation and weather forecasting. Observers say this could be one of the largest federal workforce reductions in US history.
For more updates on this developing story, visit:
🔗 CNN – Trump Administration Begins Major Layoffs
🔗 BBC News – US Government Shutdown and Layoffs
🔗 Reuters – Trump Cuts Federal Jobs Amid Shutdown
