Federal layoffs have begun and are substantial. Layoffs won't hit every agency. Director Vought – Punchbowl#MacroEdge
— MacroEdge (@MacroEdgeRes) October 10, 2025
The White House says it is making good on threats to fire thousands of federal workers amid a government shutdown now in its 10th day.
“The RIFs have begun,” White House Budget Director Russell Vought posted on social media Friday, referring to reductions in force, the federal government’s term for layoffs.
Thousands of people will be laid off as a result of the shutdown, according to a senior White House official. The scope of the cuts was not immediately clear.
Department of Health and Human Services employees were among those affected, according to HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon.