Trump Uses Government Shutdown to Slash Democratic Federal Jobs and Programs

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which began on October 1, has been marked by significant political maneuvering by President Donald Trump.

“Updated on: October 1, 2025 / 11:57 PM EDT/ CBS News Follow live updates on the shutdown for Thursday, Oct”

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According to Anadolu Ajansı, Trump blames the Democratic Party for the shutdown, viewing it as an "unprecedented opportunity" to cut jobs at federal agencies, a move that contrasts with previous shutdowns where employees were furloughed but not fired.

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This perspective is echoed by Al Jazeera, which reports that Trump is using the shutdown to target Democratic agencies, threatening significant reductions in the federal workforce and funding.

The Straits Times adds that Trump has frozen federal transit and green-energy funding for Democratic-leaning states, aligning with the conservative Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 plan to drastically reduce the federal government’s size.

The shutdown has led to a significant halt in government functions, affecting about one-quarter of annual federal spending.

The Straits Times reports that around two million federal workers have had their pay suspended, with many ordered not to work, while essential personnel like troops and Border Patrol agents work without pay.

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The Boston Globe highlights that Trump is using the shutdown to push for changes in the federal workforce and to penalize opponents, creating a difficult situation for Democratic lawmakers.

Meanwhile, ABC News reports that House Speaker Mike Johnson supports Trump's assertion that he has the authority to cut federal funding and potentially fire federal employees during the shutdown, though he did not provide detailed legal justification.

The political standoff stems from disagreements over whether to link funding bills with expiring health subsidies.

“The Department of Energy canceled a $630”

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The Straits Times notes that Republicans control Congress but need Democratic votes to pass legislation.

Democrats criticize Trump’s approach as hostage-taking that harms workers and violates Congress’s spending authority.

CNN reports that the White House is preparing to announce imminent federal workforce reductions, targeting agencies with diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

The Guardian adds that nearly $8 billion in funding for climate-related projects is being canceled, with funds frozen for major infrastructure projects in New York.

This reflects a broader strategy to align federal spending with the administration’s priorities.

Federal employee unions have responded by suing to block layoffs.

However, courts have allowed the layoffs to proceed during ongoing litigation, as reported by The Straits Times.

BBC

NBC News highlights the political tensions surrounding the issue.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticizes Republicans for refusing to negotiate.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy urges Democrats to accept a short-term spending extension.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reports that Russell Vought, former OMB director under Trump, has directed agencies to prepare for reductions.

These reductions focus especially on programs not aligned with the President’s priorities.

This reflects Vought’s goal to reclaim Congressional control over federal spending.