Washington, D.C. — October 11, 2025
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has taken a historic turn as the Trump administration officially begins massive federal layoffs, marking one of the most severe consequences of Washington’s political deadlock in recent years.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), led by Director Russell Vought, confirmed that “reduction in force” notices that permanent job cuts have started across multiple agencies. In a memo circulated Friday, Vought stated, “The RIFs have begun,” signaling a new phase in the shutdown that has already left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay.
According to administration officials, more than 4,000 federal employees are set to lose their jobs in the first wave of layoffs. The cuts include approximately 1,100 positions at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 1,446 at the Treasury Department primarily affecting the IRS and about 466 at the Department of Education. Other agencies such as Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Commerce, and Energy are also expected to be impacted.
The White House insists the reductions are necessary to “align federal spending with the administration’s priorities.” Critics, however, say the move is politically motivated, aimed at increasing pressure on Democrats to approve a new funding bill. Federal worker unions and several lawmakers have strongly condemned the decision, calling it both illegal and unethical during a funding lapse.
Legal experts warn the layoffs could violate the Antideficiency Act, which restricts government spending during a shutdown. Multiple lawsuits have already been filed by unions such as the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), demanding immediate suspension of the firings.
Adding to the tension, the OMB stated that back pay for furloughed employees is not guaranteed, breaking from past shutdown practices. This has fueled anger among workers who traditionally receive retroactive pay once the government reopens.
The broader impact of the shutdown continues to ripple across the nation. Nearly 750,000 federal employees remain furloughed, major institutions like the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo have closed, and critical services including IRS operations and public health programs face severe slowdowns.
Lawmakers from both parties have urged the White House to reconsider. Senator Susan Collins called the layoffs “reckless,” while Lisa Murkowski labeled them “punitive and unnecessary.”
As the shutdown enters its third week, uncertainty looms over Washington. With thousands of careers now in jeopardy, Americans are left wondering how long this political standoff will continue and whether the government’s workforce can recover from the fallout.
