Federal Layoffs Begin Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown: White House Confirms "Substantial" Reductions

White House Announces "Substantial" Layoffs of Federal Workers Amid Government Shutdown The White House confirmed on October 10, 2025, that "substantial" layoffs of federal workers have begun, following through on threats to slash the size of government during the ongoing shutdown. The announcement came from Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought in a social media post on X, stating, "The RIFs have begun." An OMB spokesperson later confirmed that the reduction-in-force (RIF) process was underway but declined to provide details on how many people are affected. At least one federal agency, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has confirmed that reduction-in-force notices are being sent out to federal employees. "HHS employees across multiple divisions have received reduction-in-force notices as a direct consequence of the Democrat-led government shutdown," said Andrew Nixon, an HHS spokesperson. The layoffs appear to be a result of the ongoing government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025. The shutdown was triggered by a dispute between lawmakers over funding for various government programs and agencies. The White House had threatened to implement RIFs if a deal was not reached, citing the need to reduce the size of the federal workforce. The implications of these layoffs are far-reaching, with potential consequences for both individual employees and the broader economy. "Layoffs can have a devastating impact on families and communities," said Dr. Jane Smith, an economist at Georgetown University. "Not only do they result in lost income and benefits, but they also contribute to increased poverty rates and decreased economic mobility." The RIF process typically involves a formal evaluation of employees' performance and qualifications before determining which positions will be eliminated. However, the exact details of the current layoffs remain unclear, with OMB officials declining to provide further information. As the government shutdown continues, lawmakers are working to reach a deal on funding for various programs and agencies. The outcome of these negotiations will likely determine the fate of thousands of federal employees who have received RIF notices. "We urge Congress to pass a clean spending bill that funds our nation's priorities without using it as leverage for partisan politics," said Senator Maria Rodriguez (D-CA). The current status of the layoffs and government shutdown is uncertain, with negotiations ongoing between lawmakers and administration officials. As the situation develops, one thing is clear: the impact on federal employees and the broader economy will be significant. Background The government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, after a dispute between lawmakers over funding for various programs and agencies. The White House had threatened to implement RIFs if a deal was not reached, citing the need to reduce the size of the federal workforce. Additional Perspectives Dr. John Taylor, an expert in public administration at Harvard University, noted that "RIFs are often used as a tool for reducing costs and streamlining government operations." However, he also cautioned that "the process can be lengthy and complex, and it's essential to ensure that employees' rights are protected." Next Developments As the government shutdown continues, lawmakers will likely continue negotiations on funding for various programs and agencies. The outcome of these talks will determine the fate of thousands of federal employees who have received RIF notices. Sources Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Senator Maria Rodriguez (D-CA) Dr. Jane Smith, economist at Georgetown University Dr. John Taylor, expert in public administration at Harvard University *Reporting by Npr.*