Unprecedented Government Shutdown: Trump's Budget Authority in Focus

Wed Oct 15 2025 01:19:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In an extraordinary move, President Trump has empowered his budget office to restructure the federal workforce during the ongoing government shutdown, affecting hundreds of thousands of employees.

As the government shutdown extends into its third week, President Trump’s administration is exercising rare powers to determine which federal employees are laid off. While the military will continue to receive funding, various sectors including health and education face drastic cuts—sparking legal challenges and criticisms from lawmakers regarding the legality of these actions.

As the government shutdown enters its third week, President Donald Trump’s administration is exhibiting unprecedented control over the federal workforce by allowing his budget office to make layoff decisions. The Office and Management and Budget (OMB) has announced intentions to 'batten down the hatches' with further reductions expected, leading to precarious situations for many federal employees.

Budget chief Russ Vought, a key figure in Trump's conservative agenda, is being dubbed the 'grim reaper' as he strategically allocates limited resources, ensuring military pay continues while slashing jobs in several areas deemed lesser priority. The ongoing political stalemate in Congress, where the Republican-led House remains inactive and no compromises are reached with the Senate, has opened a pathway for the OMB to act swiftly.

Existing pressures from Democrats—who are advocating for healthcare funding—have only intensified the conflict, with disputes likely to escalate into legal challenges as numerous layoffs begin to affect up to 750,000 federal workers. During this crisis, Trump’s administration is prioritizing defense funding and initiatives in the face of severe oppositional criticism.

Senator Chris Van Hollen has expressed vehement concerns regarding the shutdown's legality, calling it a 'big fat lie' to suggest that workers must be terminated due to funding failures. The plant actions by the OMB, while reminiscent of past administrative oversights, mark a bold departure that could redefine the scope of federal employment.

As repercussions unfold and the shutdown prolongs, Trump has indicated he will continue to seek innovative fiscal solutions while facing stern resistance. The future of federal employment and government operations hangs in a delicate balance, as conflicting strategies from leadership evolve amid increasing public and political scrutiny.