Trump admin says government shutdown is ‘opportunity’ for mass layoffs

The Trump administration has signaled that the government shutdown could be used as a tool to slash the federal workforce, with top officials framing it as a chance to implement cuts.

Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought told Fox Business host Larry Kudlow on Tuesday he is actively considering workforce reductions. When asked about whether as many as 300,000 workers could lose their jobs, Vought emphasized the administration’s broader goal of shrinking Washington’s reach.

“Let it be said there are all manners of authorities to be able to keep this administration’s policy agenda moving forward, and that includes reducing the size and scope of the federal government, and we will be looking for opportunities to do that,” Vought said.

This is a developing story – and will be updated.