As the partial shutdown of the US federal government entered its tenth day (October 10, local time), the political tension reached a peak with the White House abruptly initiating the process of firing federal employees. It is interpreted that President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on the Democratic Party by using 'employee firings' as a leverage point, as the standoff between the Republican and Democratic parties continues over the passage of the temporary budget bill, which is the solution to the shutdown.
Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), announced on his social media today, "RIFs (Reduction in Force) have begun." President Trump had previously warned that if the shutdown materialized, he would move to cut staff, focusing on departments whose priorities did not align with the administration's policy goals. Responding to reporters' questions, President Trump stated, "We will announce the number of layoffs, which will be many people, in a few days," and placed all the blame on "the Democrats."
In fact, some departments, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education, have already notified employees classified as non-essential personnel of the reductions. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services emphasized that the cuts were "a direct result of the Democrat-led government shutdown" and part of closing down 'wasteful or duplicative organizations' that counter the Trump administration's goals.
The Democratic Party immediately reacted strongly. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Vought's announcement as "firing thousands of Americans," stating, "Nobody forced Trump and Vought to do this, and they don't have to do this. They want to." He denounced the White House for "a deliberate chaos, a cold-hearted choice to hurt the employees who defend the country, inspect our food, and respond to disasters."
Even within the Republican Party, voices of concern emerged. Moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued a statement declaring her "strong opposition" to attempts to permanently dismiss furloughed federal workers.
The background to the prolonged shutdown is the sharp difference in the positions of the two parties regarding the extension of 'Obamacare' subsidies. The short-term budget bill, the continuing resolution, which is needed to keep the government running until the regular budget bill for the 2026 fiscal year is processed (which began on the 1st of this month), has repeatedly failed to pass the Congressional hurdle due to the 'Obamacare' issue. House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican) pressured the Democrats, stating that 1.3 million active duty service members would not receive their pay on October 15 due to the Democrats' unyielding stance.
Ultimately, the US shutdown crisis is escalating into a serious crisis that goes beyond a mere budget bill stalemate, where the political infighting between the administration and the legislature is leading to the livelihood of countless federal employees and the paralysis of public services.
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