Why a Legal Fight Is Brewing Over Shutdown Layoffs: QuickTake

President Donald Trump is exploring options to turn the federal shutdown that began on Oct. 1 into an opportunity to shrink the government workforce. The White House budget office, led by Russell Vought, has urged federal agencies to consider mass layoffs – known as “reductions in force,” or RIFS – arguing that once funding lapses, programs that don’t align with the president’s priorities aren’t required to continue.

The move would mark a break from past shutdowns, which typically didn’t trigger permanent job cuts. Democrats have condemned the plan and federal labor unions are already challenging it in court, saying ...