Trump Labels Government Shutdown an ‘Unprecedented Opportunity’ to Dismiss Federal Workers
Amid a 750,000-worker furlough, Trump and aides signal potential federal layoffs, blaming Democrats for the funding impasse.
Washington, Oct 3: Former US President Donald Trump has reiterated his threat to fire federal employees, describing the current government shutdown as an “unprecedented opportunity.” The announcement came on Truth Social, where Trump said he would meet Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to discuss cuts across federal agencies.
“I have a meeting today with Russ Vought, he of PROJECT 2025 fame, to determine which of the many Democrat Agencies… he recommends to be cut, and whether those cuts will be temporary or permanent,” Trump wrote. He added that the funding impasse, caused by Democrats, may “quietly and quickly MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”
The statement follows White House warnings that federal job layoffs are imminent due to the shutdown, which has furloughed about 750,000 workers while forcing others to work without pay. Essential services, including border protection, law enforcement, and air-traffic control, continue to operate, but programs like food assistance, pre-school, and national parks could soon be affected.
Vice President J.D. Vance echoed Trump’s warning, blaming Democrats for the shutdown, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the administration “job-killing.” Republicans have argued that Democrats are demanding healthcare subsidies for illegal immigrants a claim Democrats deny, asserting they are seeking to reverse healthcare cuts for US citizens.
With Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, they still fall eight votes short in the Senate, where 60 votes are required to pass the funding bill. This marks the first US government shutdown in seven years and follows Trump’s previous 35-day shutdown, the longest in US history.
