WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 11, 2025 — The Trump administration has confirmed that thousands of federal employees from at least seven departments received “reduction-in-force” (RIF) notices Friday, effectively terminating their employment rather than furloughing them, according to a White House filing and social media announcement. The Washington Post+3Axios+3Politico+3
A court filing revealed the scope of the dismissals:
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Commerce: ~315 employees
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Education: ~466 employees
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Energy: ~187 employees
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Health & Human Services: ~1,100–1,200 employees
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Housing & Urban Development: ~442 employees
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Homeland Security: ~176 employees
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Treasury: ~1,446 employees The Washington Post+3Fed News Network+3E&E News by POLITICO+3
The filing also stated that the Environmental Protection Agency had issued “intent to RIF” notices to 20–30 employees and that other agencies are “actively considering” further reductions. E&E News by POLITICO+2Fed News Network+2
OMB Director Russell Vought declared “RIFs have begun” in a social media post, distinguishing these actions from ordinary furloughs. Government Executive+3Politico+3Fed News Network+3
Legal & Political Backlash
The announcement immediately drew legal challenges and political condemnation.
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Unions file suit
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) filed a lawsuit arguing that the administration lacks authority to carry out layoffs during a government shutdown. They assert the Antideficiency Act prohibits committing to new expenses (such as severance or obligations under a RIF) when funding is not authorized. Fed News Network -
Judicial scrutiny
A federal judge in California ordered the administration to submit a status report on the RIF notices by Friday afternoon. The union is seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the dismissals while the court reviews their legality. Government Executive+2Fed News Network+2 -
Congressional criticism
Senate Democrats and other lawmakers sharply criticized the move. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) called it “reckless” and accused the administration of inflicting pain on federal workers for political leverage. The Washington Post+1
Others warned that the cuts could undermine essential functions, especially in areas such as public health and regulatory oversight.
Significance & Risks
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Unprecedented during shutdown
Historically, during government shutdowns, employees are furloughed (sent home temporarily) or kept working if deemed essential, with pay or back pay restored once funding resumes. Permanent terminations during a shutdown are rare and legally controversial. Fed News Network+2Government Executive+2 -
Question of legality
The crux of the legal dispute is whether the administration can lawfully carry out new personnel actions (i.e., RIFs involving severance or termination) when congressional appropriations have lapsed. Critics argue that doing so may violate both the Antideficiency Act and standard administrative procedure rules. Fed News Network+2Government Executive+2 -
Impact on services
The departments identified (Health & Human Services, Treasury, Education, etc.) carry out programs sensitive to staffing levels. The cuts raise concerns over disruptions to services, program continuity, and regulatory capacity. -
Temporal buffer
RIF regulations typically require advance notice (often 30 to 60 days) before terminations take effect, meaning many employees may remain employed while legal challenges play out.🚨 BREAKING: The Trump administration has confirmed THOUSANDS of federal employees received “reduction-in-force” (RIF) notices today, across at least seven departments
These are NOT furloughs. These are TERMINATIONS, thanks to the Schumer Shutdown
Way to go, @SenSchumer! pic.twitter.com/ENzba6Q7YW
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) October 10, 2025