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The federal government has shutdown with President Donald Trump using the standoff to warn of sweeping layoffs and deep program cuts.
Unlike previous shutdowns, which usually see workers temporarily furloughed, White House officials signaled a more aggressive approach. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said federal agencies were being directed to prepare for reductions, telling reporters “layoffs are imminent.”
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) also announced it was freezing about $18billion in infrastructure funding earmarked for New York’s subway and Hudson Tunnel projects. Both initiatives are tied to the home states of Democratic leaders in Congress.
Trump praised the role of OMB Director Russ Vought in executing the plan, calling him a skilled budget cutter. “He can trim the budget to a level that you couldn’t do any other way,” the president said at the start of the week, referencing Vought’s influence on federal spending.
Shutdown approach raises political stakes
The president framed the shutdown as a test of strength, telling an audience at the White House: “So they’re taking a risk by having a shutdown.” His remarks reflected the combative strategy adopted by the administration after lawmakers failed to reach agreement on funding.
Observers noted the White House has taken greater control of the situation than in previous shutdowns, intensifying fears that the standoff could be used to force structural cuts.
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Leavitt said Cabinet officials were already coordinating with OMB to identify reductions. “Unfortunately, because the Democrats shut down the government, the president has directed his Cabinet and the Office of Management and Budget is working with agencies across the board to identify where cuts can be made and we believe that layoffs are imminent,” she said.
Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the uncertainty for the workforce but said no final decision had been made about specific employees. “Well, first of all, we haven’t made any final decisions about what we’re going to do with certain workers,” Vance told reporters, even as he conceded the situation could escalate into layoffs if the shutdown continues.
The shutdown has already increased the pressure on employees, lawmakers, and federal agencies alike. As funding negotiations remain unresolved, the prospect of workforce cuts adds to the turbulence facing government staff.
Kevin Epley