The U.S. government has officially shut down, and the Trump administration warns that layoffs for federal workers may be on the horizon. While it’s unclear which agencies will be affected, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has already issued layoff notices.
Vice President JD Vance emphasized the need for cuts if the shutdown continues beyond a few days. “We’re going to have to save money in some areas,” he said. OMB Director Russell Vought added urgency, saying reductions could start very soon.
This shutdown reflects a shift in how federal employees are treated compared to past incidents. Typically, during a shutdown, employees face furloughs but often return to their jobs with back pay. However, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that around 750,000 federal employees will be affected this time, costing the government about $400 million daily.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hinted that layoffs would come quickly. However, experts are skeptical of this timeline. The process for layoffs, known as Reduction in Force (RIF), usually takes months and involves prioritizing employees based on experience and performance. There’s also a risk of legal challenges if employees believe the process was mishandled.
Interestingly, the majority of federal workforce reductions this year didn’t come from RIFs. About 154,000 employees voluntarily left through a Deferred Resignation Program. Just around 25,000 were removed via RIFs, a number similar to those eliminated during early mass terminations earlier this year.
Major layoffs have hit agencies like Health and Human Services and USAID, totaling nearly 18,000 jobs lost between them. Partnership for Public Service President Max Stier highlighted the higher stakes this shutdown brings. “This disruption harms vital services that millions depend on,” he noted.
Amidst this, two federal unions are suing the Trump administration over the directive related to RIFs. They argue it violates federal law. Additionally, some congressional Democrats are questioning the legality of the administration’s decisions to lay off workers during a shutdown.
As we navigate this situation, experts note that not only the federal workforce but also the services that many citizens rely on could be impacted. It’s a critical moment for American governance and the future of public service.
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