Part 7/11:
Amidst the chaos, President Donald Trump has decided to take unconventional steps. In response to the shutdown, he announced plans to lay off federal workers permanently through reductions in force (RIFs)—a move that signals serious austerity measures rather than temporary furloughs. On October 10th, the Office of Management and Budget confirmed that substantial RIFs have begun, potentially affecting thousands of federal employees.
Union leaders have vowed to fight these layoffs through lawsuits and legal channels, highlighting the contentious and uncertain future of federal employment during this shutdown.