Washington: The White House announced on Wednesday that at least 10,000 federal employees are likely to be furloughed as the government shutdown enters its third week, with President Donald Trump intensifying pressure on Democrats over funding disagreements.
According to Qatar News Agency, Russel Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, said more than 4,000 federal workers were already laid off last Friday, with Treasury, Health, Education, and Housing departments among the hardest hit. He warned that the number will rise as the shutdown continues.
Trump has threatened further layoffs, targeting employees he considers loyal to the opposition party, in response to Democrats’ refusal to back a funding bill approved by the House that would keep the government open until late November.
The shutdown has left many military personnel unpaid for the first time, leading to long lines at food banks as the crisis deepens.