Trump, OMB Push Cuts, Possible Permanent Layoffs

President Trump said he will meet with Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to decide which federal “Democrat agencies” to cut amid the government shutdown, calling many agencies a “political SCAM” and describing the lapse as an “unprecedented opportunity” to enact lasting changes. Vought, a key figure tied to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, has used the funding lapse to suspend or cancel billions in green-energy and infrastructure awards and to put projects on hold while directing agencies to prepare plans for reductions-in-force. Administration officials have indicated some furloughed workers could face permanent termination rather than routine reinstatement. The White House and some GOP leaders frame the moves as efforts to “clear out dead wood” and reduce waste, while Democrats and critics call the actions partisan and warn they may exceed legal authority. The shutdown has paused funding for projects, prompted warnings about large economic costs if it persists, and left little immediate prospect for a negotiated deal.