What the administration is saying
The White House, via Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, announced on social media that reductions-in-force (RIFs) have begun. In a post on X, he stated, “The RIFs have begun.” An accompanying OMB spokesperson later confirmed to NPR that a substantial RIF process is underway but declined to share specific numbers or affected agencies.
Initial confirmations from agencies
At least one federal agency has publicly acknowledged sending reduction-in-force notices. A Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesperson said that employees across multiple divisions have received RIF notices, with non-essential designations applied by the divisions themselves. The spokesperson attributed the timing to the shutdown and argued that the reductions were a necessary response to what he described as a bloated bureaucracy under the Biden administration. He also noted that HHS had already reduced staffing by about 20,000 workers through prior RIFs, resignations, and retirements, arguing these steps exceeded any additions under the current administration.
How RIFs are supposed to work
Federal law governs the reduction-in-force process, including notice requirements. Typically, agencies must provide 60 days’ notice of RIF end dates, or 30 days if a waiver is granted by the Office of Personnel Management. Some agencies may also need to notify labor unions or Congress before formally issuing notices to affected employees. Notices generally must explain the reasons for the RIF and include the effective date. The lack of full details from the administration has left many employees awaiting official letters and precise timelines.
Union reactions and legal challenges
The announcement comes as several unions have already challenged the shutdown-related RIF threats. The American Federation of Government Employees and other groups filed suit, arguing that the administration has threatened to dismantle essential federal services and functions, potentially violating established procedures. Union leaders have framed the move as politically motivated and disruptive to critical services that communities rely on, even as they acknowledge the complex budgetary realities driving the discussions.
Court deadline and broader context
The RIF disclosures landed just hours ahead of a court-ordered deadline requiring the government to detail any planned or in-progress notices tied to the shutdown. This timing has intensified scrutiny from lawmakers, unions, and observers who question whether layoffs are a legally required or prudent response to a funding lapse. Experts vary in their assessments of necessity and impact. Some argue that a temporary shutdown does not automatically justify widescale layoffs, while others contend that targeted reductions may be a fiscal or strategic choice for the administration.
Expert opinions and ongoing debate
Analysts remain divided. Jessica Riedl of the Manhattan Institute noted that there is no statute compelling substantial layoffs during a temporary shutdown, suggesting that a mass RIF would be unusual in prior government shutdowns. Supporters of the administration’s approach argue that a leaner federal workforce could lead to long-term efficiency and reduced deficits. Critics counter that abrupt terminations undermine essential services and erode public trust. The situation remains fluid as agencies determine how to implement any notices and what the real impact will be on personnel and services.
What this means for federal workers and the public
For federal employees, the immediate implication is uncertainty. Notices can trigger furloughs, reassignments, or terminations, depending on each employee’s role and the agency’s operational needs. For the public, the stakes are about access to critical services, from health programs to regulatory enforcement, and how the shutdown and associated staffing changes might affect timely processing of benefits, permits, and other government functions. As the situation evolves, workers, unions, and policymakers will be watching closely to see how many employees are affected and when official end dates take effect.
