Fri Oct 10 19:46:17 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Trump administration has begun laying off federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown, sparking controversy and legal challenges. Departments like Treasury and Homeland Security are affected. The administration cites “reduction-in-force” plans, with HHS blaming the “Democrat-led” shutdown and aiming to eliminate “wasteful” entities conflicting with Trump’s agenda. Democrats accuse Trump of exploiting the shutdown for political cuts to their programs. Unions are challenging the layoffs in court, arguing it’s an abuse of power. Trump defends the move as reducing government “waste.” The Supreme Court has allowed the layoffs to proceed while legal battles continue.

**News Article:**

**Trump Administration Begins Layoffs During Shutdown, Sparking Legal Battles**

**Washington D.C.** – The Trump administration has initiated layoffs of federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown, drawing sharp criticism and legal challenges. The move, confirmed by Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, involves “reduction-in-force” (RIF) plans impacting departments including the Treasury, Homeland Security, Interior, and others.

Agencies are citing the shutdown as justification, with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) blaming the “Democrat-led government shutdown” and aiming to eliminate programs conflicting with the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.

Democrats are accusing President Trump of exploiting the shutdown to target and cut Democratic programs, citing recent cuts to infrastructure in Democratic-leaning cities and climate change initiatives. “We’re only cutting Democrat programs,” Trump stated earlier this week.

The layoffs are facing legal challenges from unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), who argue that terminating furloughed employees during a shutdown is an “unlawful abuse of power.” AFGE President Everett Kelley called the actions “disgraceful” and unprecedented.

The Supreme Court has allowed the layoffs to proceed while lower courts consider the legality of the administration’s actions. This comes as the shutdown enters its 10th day, with no clear end in sight. House Speaker Mike Johnson has stated his chamber will remain closed until the Senate acts on a budget resolution. The situation remains volatile as both sides remain gridlocked over spending priorities.

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