Trump budget director Vought: The layoffs have begun.

Trump budget director Vought: The layoffs have begun.

The Trump administration has initiated mass layoffs of federal workers, as President Donald Trump's administration decided negotiations with congressional Democrats to end a partial government shutdown were "absolutely going nowhere" . The shutdown, which entered its fifth day, has led to the commencement of layoffs, as White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett confirmed. Hassett stated that while there is still hope for a resolution, the administration is preparing for the worst-case scenario. "President Trump and Russ Vought are lining things up and getting ready to act if they have to, but hoping that they don't," he said. "If the president decides that the negotiations are absolutely going nowhere, then there will start to be layoffs." The shutdown began on Oct. 1, 2026, after Senate Democrats rejected a short-term funding measure. Democrats are demanding a permanent extension of enhanced premium tax credits and assurances against unilateral spending cancellations. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the administration's handling of the situation, stating, "What we've seen is negotiation through deep fake videos, the House canceling votes and, of course, President Trump spending yesterday on the golf course. That's not responsible behavior." The layoffs, which have begun, are expected to have significant economic implications. Federal workers are a critical part of the U.S. economy, and their absence could lead to disruptions in essential services. The White House and Democrats are currently engaged in negotiations to end the shutdown and avoid further layoffs.