The Biden-era narrative suggests government shutdowns halt federal paychecks—except for essential personnel. On Tuesday, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) confirmed the Trump administration will continue paying troops and law enforcement—even as it implements broad reductions in force (RIFs) across other federal agencies.
In a terse post on X, OMB framed the plan as a matter of survival: “Pay the troops, pay law enforcement, continue the RIFs … and wait.” The administration expects the Democratic-led shutdown to last—possibly becoming one of the longest in U.S. history.
Unlike typical shutdowns, during which most federal workers are furloughed without pay, this administration is using RIFs—permanent eliminations of federal posts—to shrink government operations. Early estimates show the government has triggered around 4,600 job cuts across agencies such as Commerce, Education, Energy, HHS, HUD, DHS, and Treasury.
The Justice Department has backed this approach, telling courts that agencies should “optimize their workforces” given ongoing budget gaps. An OMB spokesman warned the cuts are far from over: “More RIFs are coming.”
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson lashed out at House Democrats, blaming them for the shutdown. “They think free health care for illegal aliens is more important than the American people,” Jackson said—adding that “Chuck Schumer may relish the shutdown … the American people disagree.”
Despite partisan attacks, Trump’s framework aims to shield national security operations and key law enforcement from the most severe impacts. But agencies like Commerce, Education, and Health are already taking casualties in this aggressive downsizing effort.
