When the government shuts down, most people expect delays, disruptions, and uncertainty—but not mass layoffs. Yet that’s exactly what’s happening under the Trump administration during the current shutdown, sparking outrage and confusion across the country.
In a surprising escalation of the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Trump administration has initiated what officials describe as "substantial" layoffs of federal employees. These aren’t typical temporary furloughs that usually accompany such standoffs—these are formal job cuts, known in bureaucratic terms as Reductions in Force, or RIFs.
White House budget director Russ Vought confirmed the move via social media platform X, stating simply: “The RIFs have begun.” While he offered few specifics, a spokesperson from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) corroborated the claim with NBC News, emphasizing that these layoffs would be both significant in scale and immediate in impact.
So far, multiple major federal departments are feeling the brunt of these actions. Agencies affected reportedly include the Departments of Interior, Homeland Security, Treasury, Education, Energy, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also among those impacted, according to sources within the administration.
But here's where it gets controversial: many legal experts and lawmakers argue that a government shutdown doesn't actually grant the president authority to start firing workers en masse. Democrats, in particular, have accused the White House of acting vindictively rather than adhering to established norms. They insist that President Trump lacks the legal power to initiate widespread layoffs solely because Congress hasn't passed a spending bill.
Sen. Susan Collins, a moderate Republican and chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, was notably vocal in her opposition. She reiterated clearly before the layoffs were announced that she believes furloughed workers should not face termination. Her stance reflects concerns shared by some members of her own party, who worry that inflicting deeper economic pain on federal employees may only worsen public sentiment toward the administration.
Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the same committee, went even further, condemning the decision in strong terms. In a pointed statement, she referred to Vought as part of a team operating like a "grim reaper," deliberately worsening conditions for Americans during a crisis. “No one is making Trump and Vought hurt American workers—they just want to,” she declared, accusing the administration of intentionally creating chaos instead of seeking compromise.
Murray also highlighted another troubling pattern: the administration’s inconsistent treatment of essential personnel throughout the year. According to her, the White House has repeatedly hired and fired critical staff without clear justification—an erratic approach that raises serious questions about governance and stability during emergencies.
And this is the part most people miss: while shutdown-related furloughs generally mean unpaid leave with the expectation of eventual return to work, actual layoffs represent permanent job losses—at least until new funding is secured and positions can theoretically be refilled. For thousands of federal workers, this distinction matters enormously, especially when their livelihoods hang in the balance.
The timing of the announcement couldn’t be more politically charged. It came just one day after the Senate failed—for the seventh consecutive time—to approve either the short-term funding proposal backed by Republicans or the Democratic alternative, which included provisions for expanded health care funding. With neither side willing to budge, pressure continues to build on both parties, but particularly on the White House for its increasingly aggressive tactics.
Still, despite growing criticism, there appears to be little sign that the administration plans to reverse course. And that leaves millions wondering: Is this really necessary? Or is it simply another tactic designed to shift blame—or worse, punish those caught in the crossfire?
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Are you a federal worker facing uncertainty right now? Has the shutdown disrupted your daily life in unexpected ways? Share your story with us at tips@nbcuni.com or through our submission page here.
What do you think—is the administration overstepping its bounds, or is this a justified response to Congressional gridlock? Let us know in the comments below.
