Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), announced that federal layoffs have officially begun.

"RIF (Reduction in Force) has begun," Vought posted on X.

This announcement follows President Donald Trump's warning that layoffs would be triggered if the shutdown was not resolved, and that permanent reductions would follow if the stalemate persisted.

On Thursday, President Trump vowed to make permanent spending cuts targeting "Democrat programs," stating that Democrats who initiated the government shutdown would "reap what they sow."

"We are going to make permanent cuts," Trump said during a cabinet meeting on Thursday. "Unfortunately, we will only be cutting Democrat programs."

"It's only fair, but we'll start with Democrat programs," he added.

Vought submitted OMB's plan for personnel reductions related to the shutdown, which affects Congress, the White House, and the American people, to President Trump.

President Trump continued, "I could have Vought explain it to you, but frankly, we're going to cut the Democrat popular programs that are not popular with Republicans. That's the reality."

"This is what they wanted. So we're going to give them a taste of their own medicine," he added.

President Trump also pointed out the hypocrisy of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) regarding the government shutdown, referencing his past opposition to government shutdowns.

He claimed that Democrats are facing a "rebellion" as pressure mounts from within their party to end the stalemate.

"But Chuck Schumer declared this morning that they're getting better every day," Trump said. "No, they're actually getting worse every day."

"And there's a rebellion happening within the Democrat party because they want to stop," he added.

The president celebrated his recent election victory as "one of the greatest and most overwhelming victories in history," accusing Democrats of "lying" about the results.

By NNP Chief Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com