'Choosing to inflict more pain': Trump admin slammed after announcing mass firings
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought signaled a sharp escalation in the federal government’s shutdown‑era tactics Friday: mass firings of government employees.
In a one-line post on the social platform X, he wrote, “The RIFs have begun.”
By “RIFs,” Vought referred to reductions in force — i.e. permanent terminations — rather than the more conventional furloughs used during prior shutdowns.
An OMB spokesperson confirmed to Politico that the RIFs are underway and described them as “substantial,” though without disclosing how many federal employees are being cut.
According to the report, the layoffs are affecting a broad range of agencies, including Interior, Homeland Security, Treasury, EPA, Commerce, Education, Energy, Health & Human Services (HHS), and HUD.
Vought's announcement generated widespread criticism on social media, including from Democratic lawmakers.
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) reacted to his post and wrote: Nearly 700,000 of our public servants are veterans. Donald Trump is threatening to fire them as punishment for doing their jobs because he failed to do his. Behind many of these veterans are families who depend on that paycheck, families who pay their taxes, serve their communities, and make this country work. Trump and Vought should be ashamed of themselves. They don’t have to do this, they want to do this."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a post on X: "Republicans would rather see thousands of Americans lose their jobs than sit down and negotiate with Democrats to reopen the government."
Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) wrote: "Trump’s firing spree has nothing to do with keeping the government open. It’s an attack on working Americans—so he can free up cash for the ultra-rich."
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) wrote: "Once again: if President Trump & Russ Vought decide to do more mass firings, they are CHOOSING to inflict more pain on people. 'Reductions in force' are not a new power these bozos get in a shutdown. We can’t be intimidated by these crooks."
Tax analyst Brendan Duke wrote: "Firing federal employees during a shutdown is not only illegal but must be seen for what it is: blatant extortion. The Trump administration is using working people and their families as pawns in a power play with no concern for who gets hurt."
Democratic congressional staffer Warren Gunnels wrote: "Hey Russell: You want to fire someone? Fire yourself for breaking the law and violating the Constitution, not hardworking veterans and other public servants who put their lives on the line defending our country each and every day. They deserve our respect, not contempt."
American Federation of Government Employees' official account responded to Vought's post and wrote on X: "The lawsuit has been filed."
