White House Unleashes Mass Layoffs Amid Government Shutdown Stalemate

US: White House Starts Mass Layoffs Amid Shutdown Impasse The White House announced on Friday the start of a mass layoff process for federal workers, as the Trump administration continues to pressure Democrats to end the government shutdown that began on October 1. The move, confirmed by Budget Director Russ Vought, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing impasse between the two parties. According to Vought, "RIFs have begun," referring to reduction-in-force plans aimed at reducing the size of the federal government. However, it remains unclear how many public servants will be laid off and from which departments. The White House has indicated that the layoffs would be substantial, but no specific numbers have been released. President Donald Trump had previously stated that he was meeting with Vought to decide which agencies "he recommends to be cut, and whether or not those cuts will be temporary or permanent." Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House counterpart Hakeem Jeffries, have disputed the legality of mass layoffs, arguing that they would be a drastic measure. The shutdown has already affected over 750,000 public servants who are on enforced leave. The impact is being felt across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and national security. The move has sparked concerns among lawmakers, advocacy groups, and community leaders about the potential consequences for vulnerable populations. "We're deeply concerned about the human impact of these layoffs," said Maria Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the National Education Association. "Teachers, nurses, and other essential workers are being forced to take unpaid leave or face termination. This is not just an economic issue; it's a moral one." The White House has maintained that the shutdown is necessary to secure funding for border security measures. However, Democrats have refused to budge on their demand for increased funding for domestic programs. As the standoff continues, lawmakers are bracing themselves for the potential consequences of mass layoffs. "We're seeing a perfect storm of economic uncertainty and human suffering," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). "It's time for both parties to come together and find a solution that prioritizes people over politics." The current status remains uncertain, with no clear end in sight to the shutdown or the mass layoffs. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the human impact will be felt far beyond the Beltway. Background: The government shutdown began on October 1 after Democrats refused to approve a spending bill that included funding for Trump's border wall. The White House has since threatened to take drastic measures to secure its demands. Additional Perspectives: Community leaders and advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to prioritize human needs over partisan politics. "We're not just talking about numbers; we're talking about people's lives," said Maria Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the National Education Association. Next Developments: The situation remains fluid, with both parties continuing to negotiate. Lawmakers will reconvene on Monday to discuss potential solutions. *Reporting by Dw.*