Summary
The White House announced that significant layoffs of federal workers have started as part of a process called "reduction-in-force" (RIF). The specifics of how many workers are affected have not been disclosed, and the layoffs are linked to an ongoing government shutdown.
Key Facts
- The White House has begun laying off federal workers, calling it "substantial."
- Russell Vought, the Office of Management and Budget director, first announced this on social media.
- The layoffs are part of a government reduction-in-force process, or RIF.
- The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed sending RIF notices to some employees.
- The layoffs are connected to a government shutdown that the administration blames on Democrat-led policies.
- Federal law requires a minimum notice period for RIFs, with some requiring 60 days' notice.
- Unions have filed lawsuits against the administration, arguing that the layoffs are inappropriate.
- The administration claims that Democrats' demands for extended health care subsidies have caused these financial cuts.
