White House Signals Federal Layoffs Have Begun During Shutdown

The White House has confirmed that federal layoffs have commenced as a result of the ongoing government shutdown. According to a statement released on Friday by the head of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the process of reducing the federal workforce through layoffs has officially begun.

The development marks a significant escalation of the impact of the shutdown, which has been ongoing for several weeks. The shutdown, triggered by a dispute over funding for a border wall, has already resulted in hundreds of thousands of federal employees being furloughed without pay.

While some essential government services have continued to operate during the shutdown, many non-essential services have been suspended, and a large number of employees have been forced to stay home without pay. The layoffs announced on Friday are expected to affect a smaller but still significant number of federal workers.

The OMB director’s confirmation of the layoffs came as lawmakers continued to grapple with finding a solution to the shutdown. With no clear end in sight, the White House’s announcement serves as a stark reminder of the growing consequences of the impasse.

The move is likely to add pressure on lawmakers to reach a compromise and restore government funding. As the shutdown drags on, the economic impact is being felt not only by federal employees but also by businesses and individuals who rely on government services.

The White House has urged Congress to work towards a bipartisan solution to the shutdown, but so far, no agreement has been reached. The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear how long the shutdown will continue or what the ultimate impact will be on the federal workforce.