It’s day 10 of the US government shutdown, and the Trump administration has just kicked off federal layoffs. 🚨
On Friday, Russell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, confirmed on X that “the RIFs have begun.” That’s Washington-speak for Reduction in Force — basically, “you’re out.” 🤷♂️
Details are still sketchy, but reports say the Department of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury Department are all in line for cuts. The move could hit thousands of federal workers who already face unpaid leave or forced time off during shutdowns. 😬
President Trump and GOP leaders have warned that layoffs would follow unless funding returns, pinning blame on Democrats. Dems fired back, calling it political intimidation and saying workers are being used as pawns. 🎲
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents about 800,000 staffers, slammed the action as “disgraceful” and announced a lawsuit is on the way. 📝
Meanwhile, Congress remains deadlocked. The Senate rejected both parties’ proposals for a temporary funding bill, with Dems seeking expanded healthcare benefits and Republicans pushing for a “clean” stopgap measure. 🏛️
Traditionally, essential employees work without pay but get back pay once things reopen. But outright layoffs during a shutdown? That’s a new twist, and it has everyone watching closely. 👀
For a generation used to instant updates and next-day deliveries, this old-school shutdown saga is a reminder that not everything runs on autopilot. 🔄
With no end in sight, federal workers and political players are bracing for what comes next. Stay tuned for more updates on how this saga unfolds. 🔍
Reference(s):
Trump administration begins layoffs on 10th day of government shutdown
cgtn.com
