Republican Snaps On Trump
Washington, D.C. — Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) took a public swipe at White House budget chief Russell Vought on Friday after the Trump administration announced thousands of federal layoffs amid the ongoing government shutdown.
Murkowski claimed the layoffs were “poorly timed” and represented another example of “punitive actions” toward federal employees. Her comments came as the administration confirmed that more than 4,100 federal workers would be dismissed across several major departments.
According to officials, the move impacts up to 1,200 employees at the Department of Health and Human Services, 1,446 at the Treasury Department, and nearly 500 workers at the Department of Education.
“The termination of federal employees in a shutdown will further hurt hardworking Americans who have dedicated their lives to public service,” Murkowski wrote on X. “I encourage any Alaskans affected to contact my office for assistance.”
💼 Trump’s Budget Team Moves Forward With Cost-Cutting
The White House defended the decision, calling it a necessary step to rein in Washington’s bloated bureaucracy. Officials close to the Trump administration said the layoffs reflect the President’s America First agenda — prioritizing taxpayers and accountability over entrenched government waste.
Supporters of President Trump say the action demonstrates his commitment to restoring fiscal discipline, even in the face of political criticism. “President Trump promised to drain the swamp — and that’s exactly what’s happening,” one administration ally said.
🏛️ Congress on Pause as Shutdown Deepens
Lawmakers have left Washington for the holiday weekend, with the Senate set to reconvene Tuesday. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced all House votes for next week were canceled, blaming Senate Democrats for “turning off the lights.”
“We’ll return to legislative session as soon as Senate Democrats decide to reopen the government,” Johnson told reporters. “Right now, the ball is in their court.”
💰 Paychecks and Patriotism on the Line
The continued standoff means military families and federal employees are bracing for financial strain. Servicemembers are expected to miss their October 15 paychecks if the shutdown drags on, while civilian workers received only a partial paycheck Friday for work completed through Sept. 30.
Critics argue that Democrats’ refusal to negotiate responsible spending cuts is putting everyday Americans at risk — while Trump’s leadership team insists that reining in Washington excess is long overdue.
