WASHINGTON — The White House confirmed Thursday that federal worker layoffs have officially begun as the government shutdown reached its tenth day. The move marks a sharp escalation in the standoff between the Biden administration and Congressional Republicans.
The announcement came in a brief but pointed message on X (formerly Twitter) from Russ Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, stating, “Reductions in force have begun.” The cuts follow earlier warnings from the administration that layoffs were imminent if no deal to reopen the government was reached.
Thousands Affected, Full Impact Still Unknown
Although the exact number of affected employees has not been released, a senior White House official said layoffs would number in the thousands and span multiple federal agencies. Departments likely to be impacted include Health and Human Services, Education, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Some are framing the cuts as a pressure tactic aimed at Democrats. “This is one of the administration’s leverage points,” said Ken Thomas of The Wall Street Journal. “Firing federal workers sends a message that Democrats need to come to the table.”
Funding Frozen in Democratic Strongholds
This is not the administration’s first move to intensify the shutdown’s effects. Earlier in the week, federal funding for public transit projects in cities like Chicago and New York was frozen. Energy projects in several Democratic-leaning states were also put on hold. The targeting of key infrastructure in Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ home states underscores the strategic nature of the shutdown measures.
More Layoffs Could Follow Next Week
The layoffs may come in phases if the shutdown continues. Administration sources suggest that more federal employees could lose their jobs week by week, depending on how negotiations progress.
A crucial deadline looms next Wednesday, when active-duty military and some federal workers are scheduled to miss their first paychecks. Historically, this has been a breaking point that forces negotiations. “That will be a very important day,” said Thomas. “That could be what finally shakes things loose.”
Unions Take Legal Action
Federal unions are pushing back. Legal teams representing workers are seeking a temporary restraining order against the cuts in the San Francisco court. Union leaders have also called on Republican lawmakers to end the shutdown and restore funding. Without resolution, more organized protests and actions could emerge from within the workforce.
No End in Sight
Despite the mounting pressure, Congress remains at a standstill. Both chambers are expected to remain out of session until early next week. “We’re ten days into this and there’s still no resolution,” said Thomas. “This latest move is meant to shake up the status quo.”
President Biden is expected to speak on the matter later today, though it’s unclear whether new policy announcements or compromises will follow.
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Ten years of experience reporting. From car chases and courtroom verdicts to House fires, Holsford thrives during breaking news and finds it a privilege to help drive the conversation in Rockland County and the Greater New York Area. Born in San Bernardino, Thomas is a New York boy at heart. He received his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, specializing in political science and sociology, from the University of Illinois
