US President Donald Trump plans to meet with his budget director Russell Vought on Thursday to decide which government agencies to cut, targeting Democrats who are in opposition to the government shutdown. Trump has already frozen funding for federal transit and green-energy projects in Democratic-leaning states.
Trump’s administration is working towards a plan called Project 2025, which aims to drastically reduce the size of the federal government. The plan includes dismantling key departments like education and limiting the government’s power to combat pollution.
Several federal employee unions have filed lawsuits to prevent layoffs, but courts have allowed the process to continue while cases are being litigated. Senator Patty Murray has warned Trump that firing thousands of workers will not end the legislative logjam and will only harm those affected.
The current shutdown is the 15th since 1981 and has suspended scientific research, economic data reports, and other activities. The government has lost about $1.7 trillion in funds for agency operations, which amounts to roughly one-quarter of annual federal spending. About 2 million workers’ pay has been suspended, with some facing personal hardship if the standoff is not resolved before October 15.
A prolonged shutdown could disrupt air travel, threaten food aid, and weigh on exports and mortgage applications. However, past shutdowns have had minimal impact on the broader US economy. The longest shutdown lasted 35 days in 2018-2019 due to a dispute over immigration.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-discuss-agency-cuts-with-ombs-vought-thursday-2025-10-02