The White House said Friday it has begun large-scale reductions-in-force across multiple federal agencies as the government shutdown enters its second week, a sharp break from the furloughs that typically accompany funding lapses.“The RIFs have begun,” White House budget director Russ Vought announced on social media, using the federal term for layoffs. An administration spokesperson said the cuts will be “substantial” but did not provide numbers.
According to an administration official, affected agencies include the Departments of Interior, Homeland Security, Treasury, Education, Energy, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency.
Democrats condemned the move, arguing a shutdown does not require firing federal employees. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington said President Donald Trump and Vought were “choosing to inflict more pain on the American people,” calling the firings unnecessary and disruptive to basic services.
Republican appropriators also signaled discomfort. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, said earlier this week she does not support layoffs of furloughed workers during the funding lapse.
The shutdown began Oct. 1 after Congress failed to reach a funding deal. Historically, shutdowns have resulted in temporary furloughs with back pay granted when the government reopens. Initiating permanent layoffs during a lapse could reshape portions of the federal workforce and trigger legal and union challenges.
The Senate on Thursday again failed to advance competing short-term funding bills, leaving agencies without clarity on staffing and operations. Employee groups said they are preparing to contest the reductions and urged workers to review their appeal rights, severance eligibility, and placement options.
What to watch next
- Whether agencies release detailed RIF plans, including numbers and timelines.
- Potential court challenges from unions and employee associations.
- Any movement in congressional negotiations to end the shutdown and halt further layoffs.
