Part 3/11:
Official confirmation came from Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), who announced that the RIFs have begun. These are not mere furloughs but actual permanent terminations, signaling a stark departure from previous shutdowns which were temporary and often took a backseat in political consequences.
Targeted Vertical Cuts: A Political and Strategic Masterstroke
What makes this move particularly significant is not just the nature of the layoffs but also the timing and messaging. The Trump administration is targeting programs aligned with Democratic priorities, effectively weaponizing the shutdown to dismantle Democrat-supporting agencies and initiatives.