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Russ Vought's OMB Directives: Sweeping Federal Workforce Cuts and Policy Shifts
Russ Vought’s leadership as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget has been at the forefront of a major shift in federal workforce policy and government funding negotiations over the past week. According to ABC News, the White House, guided by Vought, issued a directive for all federal agencies to prepare for mass layoffs if a government shutdown occurs in the coming days. Unlike previous shutdowns, which mostly resulted in temporary furloughs, this move would involve a reduction in force that not only sends workers home without pay but also eliminates their positions entirely, a much more aggressive strategy outlined in a memo released Wednesday.
CBS News obtained the same memo, which specifically targets employees in programs not consistent with the President’s priorities or those whose discretionary funding stops at the end of September. Vought’s approach has been criticized by Congressional Democrats, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries both calling the mass layoff threat an attempt at intimidation. Jeffries labeled Vought a malignant political hack, and Schumer predicted the firings would be overturned in court or lead to rehiring.
The Interior Department, following OMB’s guidance, has started finalizing its layoff lists for implementation in October. Government Executive reports that human resources meetings have been held to identify affected employees, and the total reductions at the department could surpass a third of its staff compared to when President Trump took office. This has created widespread anxiety and uncertainty, with employees hearing persistent rumors and receiving little clear communication about their future. The department is also using automation to help determine which employees will be let go.
This wave of potential layoffs is part of a larger vision defined by Vought and former President Trump, who recently confirmed Vought’s return to lead OMB if his administration resumes. DRM News highlighted Vought’s role as a key architect of Project 2025, which seeks sweeping changes to federal governance, regulatory rollback, and a strengthening of presidential power.
Senator John Cornyn acknowledged Vought’s confirmation in a public statement, praising his effectiveness in returning federal agencies to Trump-era priorities. These recent decisions and actions not only represent a significant change in how the administration is willing to manage the federal workforce but also mark Vought’s deepening influence on policy and budget decisions as the fiscal year deadline approaches and political tensions escalate.
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Published on 3 days, 12 hours ago