Government Shutdown Looms: White House Warns of Over 10,000 Permanent Job Cuts

Government Shutdown Day 15: White House Predicts More Than 10,000 Job Cuts The White House warned on Wednesday that more than 10,000 federal workers could face permanent job cuts due to the ongoing government shutdown. Budget Director Russ Vought made the statement just before a federal judge intervened, temporarily halting the layoffs of federal employees for at least two weeks. According to court documents, a federal judge granted a restraining order filed by federal employee unions on Wednesday, blocking firings carried out during the shutdown for at least two more weeks. The government shutdown entered its 15th day on Thursday, with no end in sight. The immediate impact of this development is significant, as thousands of workers face uncertainty about their job security. Federal employee unions have expressed concern about the potential long-term effects on employees and the economy. In response to the White House's warning, a spokesperson for the American Federation of Government Employees stated that "the administration's actions are causing unnecessary harm to federal employees and their families." The shutdown has been ongoing since October 1, with both parties unable to reach an agreement on funding. The Trump administration has taken a hardline stance, seeking to reduce bureaucracy and regulations. Budget Director Vought stated that the administration wants to be "very aggressive" in shuttering unnecessary programs. As the shutdown continues, lawmakers are working towards a resolution. A bipartisan group of senators is negotiating a potential compromise, but no deal has been reached yet. The White House's warning about job cuts adds pressure on lawmakers to find a solution quickly. In the coming days, Congress will continue to work towards resolving the impasse. If a deal is not reached soon, more federal workers could face permanent layoffs, exacerbating the economic impact of the shutdown. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Forbes reporting.*