The Trump administration moved to begin laying off federal workers Friday while the government was shuttered, fulfilling threats from President Donald Trump to take advantage of the closure to shave off still more parts of the federal workforce he dislikes.

“The RIFs have begun,” White House budget director Russell Vought posted on X on Friday afternoon, using an acronym for reductions in force.

A White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the plans, confirmed that the RIFs were starting, and said “they will be substantial.” The White House did not provide specifics on how many employees were affected, or at which departments.

Layoffs are taking place in the Commerce, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Education, and Homeland Security departments, though t

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