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In total, at least seven Cabinet-level agencies were affected.
The sweeping downsizing was first confirmed by Russ Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, who announced that “reduction of force” initiatives (RIFs) were officially underway.
Unions Push Back, But the White House Stands Firm
Federal labor unions immediately filed lawsuits to stop the terminations, arguing they violated worker protections. But the Trump Administration isn’t backing down.
In its court response, the Justice Department noted that the “RIF notices call for separation of employment within 30 or 60 days,” meaning the government had complied with the legally required notice period before any official job cuts take effect.
The DOJ dismissed union claims of “irreparable harm,” writing, “Their asserted harms — which stem from future loss of federal employment — would not take place until weeks or months from now, if at all.”
A hearing to consider the unions’ request for a temporary restraining order is scheduled for Thursday before U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, a Clinton appointee.
“Intent to RIF” Notices Expanding
The Justice Department’s filing revealed that additional agencies have already issued “a general ‘intent to RIF’ notice,” suggesting more cuts could be on the horizon.
At the Environmental Protection Agency, for example, between 20 and 30 employees have been told they may be next. The document adds that “Other Defendant agencies… are actively considering whether to conduct additional RIFs related to the ongoing lapse in appropriations.”
It continues, “Other Defendant agencies have made predecisional assessments regarding offices and subdivisions that may be considered for potential RIFs based on the criteria outlined in the OPM Lapse Email. But those assessments remain under deliberation and are not final.”
Shutdown Politics Hit a Breaking Point
The partial government shutdown has now entered its 10th day, with no end in sight. Senate Democrats continue to block a House-passed “clean” stopgap bill that would keep the government running through late November.
Instead of working to reopen the government, Democrat leaders like Chuck Schumer have dug in their heels — refusing to pass a bill unless it includes funding for their pet projects and left-wing priorities.
Meanwhile, the Trump Administration appears to be using the shutdown to trim what many conservatives have long criticized as bloated, inefficient bureaucracy.
A Long-Awaited Reckoning for the Deep State
For years, federal agencies have ballooned under progressive administrations, creating what critics call an “untouchable class” of bureaucrats who face little accountability.
Now, as thousands of those employees find themselves out of work, Trump’s move is being hailed by supporters as a bold step toward draining the swamp — literally.
While Democrats and union leaders rush to court, conservatives are applauding the administration for finally standing up to the Washington machine.
The message from the White House seems clear: when Democrats shut down the government, they’re also shutting down their own bloated bureaucracy — and this time, the American taxpayer might actually benefit from it.
