Over 4,000 federal workers have been dismissed since the US government shutdown began on October 1, according to revised Department of Justice figures released Tuesday. The updated count of 4,108 layoffs – down from an initial estimate of 4,278 – highlights ongoing uncertainty as agencies navigate the longest funding gap in decades.
Revised Numbers Highlight Uncertainty
The layoffs represent less than 0.2% of the federal government's 2-million-strong civilian workforce, but unions warn the cuts could disrupt critical services ranging from disease control to education programs. Legal challenges filed by worker organizations argue the dismissals violate federal laws requiring congressional approval for such actions.
Political Standoff Deepens
President Donald Trump has framed the shutdown as leverage to advance his spending priorities, stating the workforce reductions target programs favored by Democratic lawmakers. This strategy marks an unprecedented use of government closures, with 15 similar shutdowns occurring since 1981 but none resulting in mass terminations.
Regional Impact and Backlash
Lawmakers from Washington D.C.-adjacent states Maryland and Virginia condemned the cuts at a Tuesday rally, noting 20% of federal employees reside in the region. 'These actions reveal a fundamental lack of empathy,' said Virginia Representative Don Beyer, as affected workers face mounting financial pressures.
Legal Battles Intensify
A federal court will hear arguments on October 15 regarding the shutdown's legality, with unions contending workforce reductions exceed emergency authority limits. The outcome could set new precedents for executive power during budgetary impasses.
