WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES: The United States has entered a new phase of turmoil as the federal government officially begins large-scale layoffs, intensifying the impact of the ongoing shutdown that has already disrupted public services nationwide.
According to official filings, over 4,000 federal employees across multiple departments — including Health and Human Services, Treasury, Education, and Commerce — have received reduction-in-force (RIF) notices, marking the start of permanent job terminations rather than temporary furloughs.
Budget Director Russ Vought confirmed the development, declaring, “The RIFs have begun,” as the administration moves to reshape government operations amid stalled negotiations with Congress. The White House has described the cuts as targeting “Democrat programs,” a claim that has drawn severe backlash from unions and lawmakers who accuse the government of weaponizing the shutdown for political leverage.
Federal employee unions have announced legal challenges against the decision, arguing that the dismissals violate labor laws and constitutional protections. Meanwhile, key public sectors — from education to cybersecurity — brace for operational paralysis as resources dry up and staff reductions take effect.
With both the executive and legislative branches locked in confrontation, analysts warn that the economic and administrative fallout of this shutdown could surpass previous crises, leaving federal workers and citizens caught in the crossfire of political brinkmanship.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.