The White House announced on October 10, 2025, that it has commenced substantial layoffs of federal employees as the US government shutdown persists. The move, confirmed by White House Budget Director Russ Vought, marks a departure from previous shutdowns during which federal workers were typically furloughed but not terminated.
Vought confirmed on social media that "RIFs have begun" referring to reductions in force signaling that a significant number of federal workers will lose their jobs amid the ongoing budget stalemate between Republicans and Democrats, which has persisted since October 1.
Approximately 750,000 federal employees had been placed on mandatory leave earlier in the shutdown, but details about the exact number and agencies affected by the layoffs have not been fully disclosed. Agencies impacted include the Departments of Education, Homeland Security, Treasury, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Republican leaders, including President Donald Trump, have suggested the layoffs are a strategic effort to pressure Democrats to resolve the budget deadlock. However, Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have condemned the layoffs as unlawful and harmful.
The administration’s decision to begin layoffs during the shutdown has drawn criticism from federal employee unions and political opponents, who argue that such actions exacerbate hardship for workers supporting government functions during the crisis.
This ongoing situation highlights the seriousness of the shutdown and its tangible effects on federal workers and public services as negotiations remain stalled.