White House warns imminent federal layoffs amid shutdown
The White House, via OMB Director Russ Vought, warned House Republicans that reductions‑in‑force (RIFs) — i.e., federal layoffs — are imminent and 'likely a day or two out' as the partial government shutdown that began Oct. 1, 2025, continues. Vought made the remarks during a call with House Republicans and cited agency-level decisions guided by an earlier OMB memo; House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly defended the OMB director and blamed Senate Democrats for rejecting the GOP funding plan. The development signals an escalation from furloughs to potential permanent staffing cuts if funding is not restored.
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🔍 Key Facts
- OMB Director Russ Vought told House Republicans that RIFs were 'imminent' and 'likely a day or two out' (per Fox News reporting).
- An OMB memo issued earlier in the month directed agencies to consider plans for layoffs should a shutdown occur; Vought said agency heads will decide which roles to cut under current spending levels.
- The partial government shutdown took effect Oct. 1, 2025, after Senate Democrats twice rejected a GOP funding measure; House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Vought and blamed Democrats for forcing the situation.