White House blames Democrats for thousands of layoffs

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President Donald Trump announced layoffs affecting thousands of U.S. government workers, attributing the decision to Democrats during the ongoing government shutdown.Job cuts began at several federal agencies, including the Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Department of Health and Human Services, although the overall number of layoffs remains uncertain.

Roughly 300,000 federal workers were already anticipated to leave jobs this year due to a downsizing initiative by Trump.

The layoffs come as Trump continues to pressure Democrats for government funding. Republicans, holding majorities in Congress, require Democratic support in the Senate for funding measures.

Democrats insist they will not compromise under pressure, holding Republicans accountable for job losses. Labor unions have filed lawsuits against the layoffs, arguing their legality during the shutdown.

Job Cuts

A federal court will hear the case soon. Despite legal requirements for notification before layoffs, some officials have raised concerns over the impact on federal services.

Top Republican Senator Susan Collins expressed her objection to the layoffs, emphasising the importance of federal employees.

A White House budget director confirmed the initiation of layoffs, while many federal workers are either on furlough or working without pay. The Department of Health and Human Services is particularly affected, with a substantial number of staff receiving layoff notices.

Job reductions are also reported at the Education and Commerce Departments, among others. The Department of Homeland Security has made cuts in its cybersecurity division. However, the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration remain unaffected.