Summary
President Donald Trump's administration has announced layoffs of federal employees during an ongoing government shutdown. Legal questions have arisen about the president’s authority to initiate these layoffs, usually, workers are not terminated during shutdowns. The layoffs are affecting multiple government departments, and unions are challenging this move in court.
Key Facts
- President Trump's administration began laying off federal employees due to a government shutdown.
- The Office of Management and Budget stated that a "reduction-in-force" effort has been initiated.
- Departments affected include Interior, Homeland Security, Treasury, and several others.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed layoff notices, labeling them as affecting "non-essential" employees.
- House Republicans have passed a budget resolution, but the Senate has not yet approved it, prolonging the shutdown.
- President Trump aims to cut programs he associates with the Democratic Party.
- Federal employee unions are challenging these layoffs in court, arguing they are an unlawful use of power.
- Typically, employees are furloughed, not fired, during shutdowns.
