Trump fires thousands of federal workers

President Donald Trump has dismissed thousands of federal employees, accusing opposition Democrats of sabotaging the nation’s economic recovery amid a prolonged government shutdown.

According to White House sources, the sweeping layoffs hit major federal agencies, including the Treasury Department, Department of Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Departments of Education and Commerce, and the Cybersecurity division of the Department of Homeland Security.

Though the full extent of the cuts remains unclear, insiders estimate that hundreds of thousands of civil servants could lose their jobs in the coming weeks.

Trump, who has long pledged to downsize the federal bureaucracy, blamed Democrats for “sabotaging America’s economic recovery” by rejecting his budget proposals that call for deep spending reductions and significant civil service reforms.

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“They started this thing,” Trump was quoted by Reuters, calling the job cuts “Democrat-oriented.”

Despite Republican control of both chambers of Congress, the administration still needs Democratic support in the U.S. Senate to pass spending bills that would reopen the government.

Democrats, meanwhile, are demanding the continuation of health insurance subsidies, warning that millions of Americans could face steep cost increases without them.

The government shutdown entered its tenth day on Friday, with Trump reiterating threats to fire federal workers in departments typically supported by Democrats.

In addition, the president ordered a freeze on more than $28 billion in infrastructure funds earmarked for New York, California, and Illinois — all Democratic strongholds known for their criticism of his administration.

Court filings from the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that over 4,200 federal employees have already received layoff notices across seven agencies. The filings indicate that more than 1,400 cuts occurred at the Treasury Department and at least 1,100 at the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Until Republicans get serious, they own this — every job lost, every family hurt, every service gutted is because of their decisions,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said.

Labour unions representing federal workers have filed lawsuits challenging the dismissals, arguing that such actions are unlawful during a shutdown. The administration countered that the unions lack legal standing to contest federal personnel decisions.

A federal judge is set to hear the case on October 15.

Under federal law, employees are entitled to at least 60 days’ notice before layoffs, although that period can be shortened to 30 days.

Some Republicans have also criticized the move. Senator Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, voiced her opposition, emphasizing the vital role of federal employees.

“Regardless of whether federal employees have been working without pay or have been furloughed, their work is incredibly important to serving the public,” Collins said, according to Reuters.