Push to Shrink the Federal Workforce
The Trump administration is moving to eliminate thousands of federal jobs as part of its strategy during the ongoing government shutdown. Budget Director Russell Vought said the White House intends to use the funding lapse as a chance to “shutter the bureaucracy” and make long-term cuts across multiple agencies.
Speaking on a conservative talk show broadcast from the White House, Vought said officials see the shutdown as “an opportunity” to restructure or dismantle certain federal programs rather than simply pausing operations. “We want to be very aggressive where we can be,” he said, adding that the administration plans to target departments it views as wasteful or ideologically driven.
Agencies in the Crosshairs
Among the entities mentioned for possible cuts are the Department of Energy’s environmental initiatives, the Environmental Protection Agency’s environmental justice programs, and the Minority Business Development Agency within the Commerce Department. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are also on the list.
Vought, who is also serving as acting director of the CFPB, said he intends to close the bureau within months, describing it as a partisan creation influenced by Senator Elizabeth Warren. He claimed the agency “weaponized” financial law against small lenders and banks.
The administration has already sent more than 4,000 layoff notices, known as reduction-in-force (RIF) letters, to federal employees. Vought said that number could rise “north of 10,000” as reviews continue.
Legal Pushback Begins
The downsizing effort quickly drew legal challenges from unions representing government workers. On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston issued a temporary restraining order preventing the administration from firing employees while the case proceeds. “The activities being undertaken here are contrary to the laws,” the judge said in court, halting further layoffs for now.
The White House’s RIF estimates were cited in court filings as evidence of its intent to proceed with broad staffing reductions during the shutdown. While Vought called the figures a “snapshot,” he maintained that the administration would “keep those RIFs rolling” as part of a broader plan to reduce the federal footprint.
A Broader Political Battle
The comments highlight how the third week of the shutdown has evolved into a test of political will between the administration and Congress. The White House has framed the layoffs as part of a broader campaign to streamline government and end what it calls “ideological overreach” in federal agencies. Critics argue that the move risks politicizing the civil service and destabilizing key institutions, including cybersecurity and consumer protection.
The standoff underscores the far-reaching consequences of a prolonged shutdown. With no funding agreement in sight and court injunctions slowing the administration’s plans, the future of thousands of federal employees remains uncertain — and the battle over the size and role of government shows no sign of easing.