President Trump’s “RIFs” Save Billions and Rejuvenate the Economy
Published: October 24, 2025
Analysis: The Conservative Caucus
Historic Government Reduction Underway
President Trump, through OMB Director Russ Vought, has been using special shutdown authorities to ‘reduce in force’ (RIF) 5,963 federal employees since the Democrats refused to pass the simple budget bill (“continuing resolution”).
The laugh’s actually on the Democrats because the majority of federal employees, especially in Washington, DC, are liberal Democrats. So, in effect, Sen. Chuck Schumer and his Senate Democrats fired thousands of Democrats from their jobs.
Immediate RIF Savings
Annual savings from 5,963 employees laid off during the shutdown
Assuming the lawsuits to block layoffs fail and none are rehired, the savings to taxpayers from laying off all of these employees will total $983.9 million annually.
Strategic Use of Shutdown Authority
While the president had already removed 216,000 from the federal payroll (including the left-wing NPR & PBS networks), during a shutdown, the law allows him to fire specific people within offices. Without the shutdown, he can order reductions, but the bureaucrats (usually liberal Democrats) can specify which employees would be the ones to be fired. You know they would select for firing the honest and the conservative, not their fellow corrupt and the radical leftists.
These shutdown firings bring to approximately 220,000 federal employees removed from the federal workforce since President Trump took office in January. That’s 9.1% of the workforce—all within just 10 months of President Trump’s term.
“We’re going to keep those RIFs rolling throughout this shutdown… We think it’s important to stay on offense for the American taxpayer.”
— Russ Vought, OMB Director
If all of these employees are indeed permanently fired after legal challenges, the total estimated annual cost savings to taxpayers would be $36.3 billion.
Economic Impact Beyond Budget Savings
The positive effect to the economy will be far greater than just the direct budget savings. Consider that many of these left-wing bureaucrats issue and enforce regulations that stifle businesses.
For example, DEI/diversity programs in all agencies were abolished and personnel fired. Merit is now recognized and promoted. ‘Green new deal’ offices and their employees are also history; their regulations based on fake science cost businesses billions–all of which is passed on to you in the form of higher prices.
Key Areas of Reform
DEI/Diversity Programs: Abolished in all agencies with personnel fired. Merit is now recognized and promoted.
‘Green New Deal’ Offices: Their regulations based on fake science cost businesses billions—all of which was passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.
Department of Education: An additional 466 employees removed—more than 20% of remaining staff—progress toward fully shutting down the department and returning education control to the states.
Department of Energy: Firings focused on offices of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and Clean Energy Demonstrations—removing those who made your appliances and cars run poorly.
Internal Revenue Service: 1,446 employees gone, adding to the 25,000 who lost their jobs earlier this year, helping reverse Biden’s weaponization of the tax collection system.
Environmental Protection Agency: Employee cuts will further reduce burdens on businesses.
Political Dynamics
The longer that the Democrats in the Senate stall the budget bill, Trump will be able to fire more Democrat employees. At some point, Schumer may allow a few more Democrat Senators to defect and vote to approve the ‘continuing resolution’ so the government may reopen—and halt the firings of more Democrat workers.
Senator Schumer is pandering to the extremist wing of his party to avoid losing a primary challenge to the radical Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), and also to show no perceived weakness before the “No Kings” demonstrations by the extremist left.
But a crack in the ideological wall is appearing. The American Federation of Government Employees stated that the shutdown is an “avoidable crisis” harming American families and workers across the nation. They called for the Senate to immediately pass the funding bill and return the employees to work.
Looking Forward
We are delighted at the progress President Trump is making in reducing governmental power. We urge President Trump and OMB Director Russ Vought to take this unique opportunity during the shutdown to remove even more federal employees, both for budgetary reasons and to reduce the regulatory burden on Americans and businesses.
Total Workforce Reduction
Federal employees removed in just 10 months
9.1% of the entire federal workforce
Share This Article
Support Constitutional Government Reform
Help us continue fighting for smaller government, reduced regulation, and restored constitutional principles.
About The Conservative Caucus:
Founded in 1974, The Conservative Caucus is a grassroots organization dedicated to defending constitutional principles and American sovereignty. We provide analysis on political strategy, government reform, and the conservative movement.
Related Topics: Government Reform | Budget Savings | Federal Workforce | Regulatory Relief | Trump Administration
Share This Article:
Help others understand how President Trump is reducing government and saving taxpayers billions. Share this article with your networks.
Peter J. Thomas is a veteran conservative political strategist and seasoned policy expert dedicated to upholding the principles of the Constitution and democracy. As a founder and the chairman of the Conservative Caucus, he has played a pivotal role in promoting and shaping the conservative agenda across the nation for over half a century.