In a recent press briefing, President Trump asserted that his administration will aim its focus on “Democrat-oriented” programs and federal employees as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought, embarks on extensive government workforce reductions.
The government officially shut down at midnight on October 1 due to the Democrats’ refusal to endorse a funding bill that excluded a staggering $1.5 trillion earmarked for healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants.
According to a senior Democratic aide, the party is prepared to maintain the government shutdown until catastrophic consequences, such as “planes falling from the sky,” occur. This reflects what some perceive as an extreme measure to leverage governmental compliance with their requests.
Trump indicated that if the Democrats continue to resist efforts to reopen the government, there will be significant repercussions. When queried about the specifics regarding the number of layoffs and the agencies affected, he remarked, “It will be aimed at Democrat-oriented roles because, after all, they initiated this issue.”
“Expect numerous layoffs, and we will disclose the details in the coming days. All of this is a result of the Democrats’ actions,” he elaborated.
“These are individuals that the Democrats pushed for, many of whom may not have been suitable. We opposed this in the past, but it ultimately went through. Thus, individuals largely favored by the Democratic Party will face termination,” he added.
WATCH:
Reporter: How many layoffs have you approved for this first round, and from which agencies?
Trump: It’s going to be significant, and it will target Democrat-oriented roles because, as we believe, they initiated this crisis. Expect a substantial number, and we will announce specifics in the next few days—all of this is due to the Democrats. They are willing to allocate $1.5 trillion to those who entered the country illegally. We’re compassionate and want to support those in need, but currently, our immigration numbers for illegal entries are effectively zero. You know that, Glenn, right? Quite impressive even for a successful governor.
Our recent statistics show that for the past four months, illegal crossings have virtually ceased. While they are still entering, it’s now through a structured and lawful process—a scenario we encourage. As we evaluate incoming groups, we will decide on their quantity. I can attest that many will align with the Democrat agenda. These individuals, many of whom were supported by the Democrats, will predominantly be the ones let go.”
On Friday, The Gateway Pundit reported Vought’s confirmation that “the layoffs have commenced,” signaling the immediate onset of workforce reductions.
This decision follows Trump’s meeting with Vought—a pivotal figure in the Project 2025 initiative—to identify which federal agencies, viewed by Trump as “political SCAM Democrat Agencies,” will undergo cuts and whether those reductions will be temporary or permanent. Prior to the shutdown, Trump had warned of “irreversible” measures including significant layoffs and the elimination of programs favored by the Democrats.
BREAKING: Layoffs of Federal Workers Begin Today: Russ Vought