Trump Administration Quietly Starts ‘Substantial’ Federal Layoffs — Here’s Why

(Evan Vucci/AP Photo)

Washington, D.C. - October 10, 2025 – The Trump administration has begun implementing "substantial" layoffs of federal employees through the reduction-in-force (RIF) process, escalating tensions as the partial government shutdown stretches into its 10th day. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought announced the move Friday on X, posting simply: "The RIFs have begun." An OMB spokesperson confirmed the cuts are underway but declined to specify numbers or timelines, citing the fluid nature of the process.

Early reports indicate at least nine federal agencies are affected, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Education, Homeland Security, and Treasury. HHS confirmed notices have been sent to non-essential employees across multiple divisions, with spokesman Andrew Nixon blaming the "Democrat-led government shutdown" and the prior administration's "bloated bureaucracy." The Department of Education noted "some" staff will be impacted, following a nearly 50% workforce reduction earlier this year.Unions estimate thousands of workers could lose their jobs, a figure echoed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who warned of "thousands" of firings.

The layoffs come amid a partisan stalemate over funding, with Republicans refusing Democratic demands to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies expiring at year's end. House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Senate Democrats of orchestrating the crisis, stating, "If Democrats don't end the shutdown by Monday, then that Oct. 15 date will pass us by," referring to the looming missed military paychecks.The Senate rejected funding motions for the seventh time Thursday and won't reconvene until Tuesday, while the House remains in recess until at least Oct. 20.

Federal workers received partial paychecks Friday for pre-shutdown work, but many face smaller amounts in coming weeks, with active-duty service members set to miss their Oct. 15 pay without intervention.Short-staffing has already caused flight delays at 12 FAA facilities, including Newark Liberty and O'Hare International airports, due to unpaid air traffic controllers.

Reactions have been swift and sharp. American Federation of Government Employees President Everett Kelley called the moves "disgraceful," alleging the administration is illegally exploiting the shutdown to dismantle essential services.Unions filed suit prior to the shutdown, arguing the threats violate federal law and historic precedent—no prior shutdown has triggered mass RIFs. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski decried the action as unnecessary pain infliction, while Rep. Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.)—whose district hosts 22,000 federal workers—demanded passage of his SAFE Act, which has 66 cosponsors and would bar shutdown-era terminations. "Thousands of hardworking Americans are being fired... used as pawns in a political power play," Olszewski said.

Maryland faces the highest job losses under the administration, amplifying local impacts in a state with heavy federal employment.Critics like Manhattan Institute fellow Jessica Riedl noted no law mandates such cuts during temporary shutdowns, calling it an unprecedented escalation. As negotiations stall, the RIFs—requiring 60 days' notice under law—could drag the fiscal crisis into permanence, with President Trump exploring options to pay troops but no broader resolution in sight.