The Trump administration plans to begin firing federal employees imminently if the government shutdown continues. According to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, mass layoffs of federal workers could start within one to two days of the shutdown, impacting virtually every federal agency. However, specific details on which agencies and how many employees will be fired have not been made public. The administration claims this is a consequence of the shutdown and aims to maintain essential services amid the crisis. Typically, nonessential employees are furloughed during shutdowns, but this time extensive layoffs are planned as a cost-cutting measure.
The layoffs target a broad swath of the federal workforce, including tens of thousands who have already left under a Deferred Resignation Program earlier in the year, probationary employees, and other reductions planned under the Department of Government Efficiency. Some layoffs have been challenged in courts, with some rulings finding firings illegal but not reinstating workers. The administration emphasizes savings and restructuring government roles, while critics warn about loss of institutional knowledge and legal violations.
In summary, federal employees facing imminent firing are those considered nonessential under the government shutdown, including probationary staff, those not aligned with administrative priorities, and employees from multiple agencies where budget cuts are targeted. The exact list of employees and agencies affected is not fully detailed but covers a large part of the federal workforce, estimated to be tens of thousands initially, with potentially broader impact depending on the shutdown's duration.
