U.S. federal worker layoffs lower than expected amid government shutdown
The number of U.S. federal worker layoffs due to the government shutdown was revised down, showing fewer job cuts than initially reported by the Trump administration. Since the shutdown began on October 1, 4,108 employees have been dismissed, a lower figure than the 4,278 previously estimated. The shutdown occurred because President Trump and lawmakers couldn’t agree on a spending plan. Trump blamed the layoffs on the shutdown, aiming to pressure Democrats into accepting his budget. Federal unions are suing to reverse the firings, arguing they aren’t essential services. Lawmakers in Maryland and Virginia criticized the cuts, saying they hurt local families.
