Former President Donald Trump signaled plans for mass layoffs of federal workers as the U.S. government shutdown entered its second day, affecting around 750,000 employees. Trump said he would meet with budget chief Russell Vought to decide which federal agencies—described by him as “Democrat Agencies”—should face temporary or permanent cuts. Aides indicated layoffs could number in the thousands and may be announced within days.
Trump framed the firings as a political tactic to pressure Democrats, claiming the shutdown allows for “irreversible” damage to Democratic priorities. Democrats, including Senate Leader Chuck Schumer and House Leader Hakeem Jeffries, dismissed the threats as intimidation and likely illegal, while maintaining their demand to extend healthcare subsidies before supporting a funding bill.
The Senate, on pause due to Yom Kippur, is expected to vote Friday, but no deal is in sight. House Republicans remain on recess, though Speaker Mike Johnson urged the Senate to work through the weekend. Meanwhile, polls show blame for the shutdown is split, with some surveys pointing more fingers at Republicans, while others say Democrats should compromise. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned the shutdown could hurt U.S. economic growth.
Credit : CGTN
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