The Trump administration has commenced laying off thousands of federal workers, initiating "reductions in force" (RIFs) to pressure Democrats amid an ongoing government shutdown. This move, which has been challenged in court by two major unions, aims to reduce the federal workforce, a long-held goal of President Trump.

• Approximately 4,600 employees from various agencies, including Treasury, HHS, and Homeland Security, were expected to receive layoff notices starting Friday.
• Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management, announced the layoffs, stating that "more RIFs are coming."
• Union leaders, including AFGE president Everett Kelley, condemned the layoffs as "disgraceful" and "illegal," filing a lawsuit to block the move.