Vice President Vance Warns of Deeper Federal Cuts as Shutdown Continues

Federal workers face increased uncertainty as Vice President JD Vance announced on October 1, 2025, that deeper cuts to the federal workforce may be on the horizon due to the ongoing government shutdown. As the shutdown entered its twelfth day, Vance emphasized the potential for “painful” reductions if the stalemate in Congress persists.

“The longer this goes on, the deeper the cuts are going to be,” Vance stated during an interview on Fox News. His comments come as hundreds of thousands of federal employees remain furloughed without pay, raising concerns about the impact on their livelihoods. The Office of Management and Budget indicated in a court filing that over 4,000 federal employees could soon face termination in connection with the ongoing shutdown.

Impact on Federal Services and Museums

The shutdown has already begun to affect public services. The Smithsonian Institution announced that its museums, research centers, and the National Zoo would remain closed due to lack of funding. Vance noted that while the administration is striving to maintain military pay and essential services for low-income Americans, the situation is dire for many federal workers.

In his remarks, Vance pointed out the difficult choices that Congress faces, stating, “The Democrats have dealt us a pretty difficult set of cards.” He reiterated that the administration is committed to ensuring that military personnel receive their paychecks, while also providing necessary food assistance to low-income families.

Political Stalemate and Union Response

The political landscape remains tense as labor unions have initiated lawsuits against the aggressive actions of the Trump administration’s budget office, which are perceived to exceed typical measures during a government shutdown. The current impasse arose after Democrats rejected a short-term funding bill that did not include an extension of federal subsidies for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. This expiration at the end of the year threatens to increase costs for millions of Americans.

Negotiations between the two parties have stalled, with House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York expressing frustration over the lack of cooperation. “We will sit down with anyone, anytime, anyplace,” he stated, emphasizing the Democrats’ willingness to negotiate. In contrast, House Speaker Mike Johnson blamed Democrats for the situation, accusing them of prioritizing partisan interests over the well-being of federal workers.

Progressive activists are rallying behind the Democratic stance, with Ezra Levin, co-founder of the protest group Indivisible, highlighting fractures within the Republican Party. He pointed to concerns raised by Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene about rising health insurance premiums for average Americans, including her own family members, should the shutdown continue.

As the shutdown drags on, the Republican administration maintains a firm stance against Democratic demands, showing no signs of compromising on potential workforce cuts. Employees across various departments, including Education, Treasury, Homeland Security, and the Environmental Protection Agency, are reportedly set to receive layoff notices.

Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona criticized the administration’s approach, asserting, “They do not have to punish people that shouldn’t find themselves in this position.” The ongoing situation underscores the urgent need for a resolution as hundreds of thousands of federal workers await clarity on their employment status and financial security.