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The Trump administration has begun firing federal workers in a sweeping move during the ongoing government shutdown, according to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), OMB Director Russell Vought declared, “The RIFs have begun,” signaling that reduction-in-force (RIF) notices are now being issued across multiple federal agencies.
Why This Matters — A New Strategy in the Shutdown Standoff
Unlike typical furloughs that accompany funding lapses, mass firings of federal employees during a shutdown mark a significant escalation in political strategy. Historically, administrations have avoided permanent terminations during shutdowns; this move underscores how the Trump White House aims to ratchet up pressure on lawmakers to resolve the impasse.
An OMB spokesperson described the layoffs as “substantial” but declined to provide numbers or a detailed breakdown of affected agencies. At least five key departments — Health and Human Services (HHS), Treasury, Education, Commerce, and Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) — have confirmed that RIF notices have been distributed.
Who’s Affected & Targeted Agencies
HHS: Employees across multiple divisions have received layoff notices; all recipients were designated nonessential.
Education Department: The agency confirmed that some employees will be affected by RIF, though it has not provided full details.
Treasury / IRS: Reports suggest the IRS may face across-the-board reductions, with 1,300 potential layoffs cited.
CISA (DHS): The agency is reportedly among the first to be hit.
Commerce / HUD / EPA / Interior / Energy: Several sources say these agencies are also under review for RIFs, though confirmations vary.
It’s still unclear how many federal workers have already received layoff notices. Some reports suggest the layoffs could total in the thousands.
Legal Pushback and Union Resistance
Federal employee unions have responded with swift legal action. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents some 800,000 workers, labeled the move “disgraceful” and unprecedented.
The unions, along with Democracy Forward, filed suit in federal court seeking to block the firings, arguing they are illegal under existing laws.
A federal judge has ordered the OMB to disclose details of the RIF process, specifically how many notices are planned and which agencies will issue them, by 6 p.m. ET.
Legal experts, including Max Stier of the Partnership for Public Service, argue that the shutdown itself does not give extra authority to terminate federal employment. Stier calls the use of civil servants “hostages” in a political showdown.
Senators and House members from both parties have condemned the move. Republican Senator Susan Collins publicly opposed the layoffs, calling them “arbitrary” and harmful to essential public services. Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned that Americans will “feel a lot more pain” if the shutdown prolongs. Democratic leaders said the firings will only harden their resolve to hold out for concessions.
Back Pay Debate & Legal Uncertainty
One of the most contentious legal questions is whether federal employees who are furloughed or terminated during the shutdown will receive retroactive pay once funding resumes. The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act (GEFTA) of 2019 provides for retroactive compensation to federal employees impacted by appropriation lapses.
However, the OMB has circulated a memo contending that back pay is not automatically guaranteed and must be explicitly appropriated by Congress. That position reverses past practice and has sparked fierce backlash from lawmakers and union leaders.
Bigger Picture: Strategy, Precedents & Risks
This wave of firings may reflect the broader Project 2025 agenda, which positioned OMB leadership to curtail federal bureaucracy and embed loyalty over expertise. While previous shutdowns relied on furloughs or unpaid work, this marks a sharp pivot in executive strategy.
Yet the risks are high. The administration’s exposure to legal challenges, congressional retaliation, damaged morale, loss of institutional capacity, and political backlash escalates sharply the longer this standoff endures.
What to Watch Next
Court rulings: Whether the judge halts further RIFs or forces disclosure of internal plans
Congressional action: Whether Democrats or Republicans will agree on a funding deal or countermeasures
Announcements by agencies: Which additional departments will confirm layoffs or reversals
Back pay outcome: Whether GEFTA will be honored in full or limited by new interpretations
Impact on services: How reductions may affect public programs, agency operations, and critical functions
Key takeaways:
The Trump administration has begun firing federal workers during the 2025 government shutdown — an unprecedented move.
OMB Director Russell Vought confirmed “The RIFs have begun”, affecting agencies like HHS, Treasury, and Education.
Unions are suing, calling the layoffs illegal and demanding a court stop the firings.
The White House blames Democrats, saying the cuts are necessary as the shutdown drags on.
Back pay uncertain: The administration questions whether furloughed or terminated employees will be paid later.
Critics warn the layoffs will cripple public services and erode government expertise.
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