Here’s Who Will Stay Employed as the Shutdown Continues

White House Staff Cuts Amid Funding Stalemate

The White House is reportedly reducing its workforce by around a third, as Democrats persist in obstructing the approval of budget plans necessary for federal government operations.

In an emergency response plan released on Thursday, key offices within the White House are being prioritized, while other agencies face significant reductions due to the ongoing government shutdown caused by Democratic resistance.

The Executive Office of the President (EOP) has submitted a closure plan to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Democrats are holding off on funding measures unless they encompass about $300 billion to extend subsidies for the Affordable Care Act and close to $200 billion aimed at restoring health benefits for undocumented individuals and other non-citizens.

In a notable move, all 45 officials from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) remain unaffected, as their salaries come from alternative funding sources rather than the typical annual budget. The OMB will maintain a workforce of around 530 employees.

According to the established plan, only one member of the National Security Council’s staff will be let go, while 175 out of 373 employees in the White House office, which directly supports the president, will continue their work during the shutdown.

Meanwhile, the Economic Advisors Council is seeing 16 of its 25 employees sidelined, compared to 10 out of 25 staff members from the Environmental Quality Council being furloughed.

The administration’s internal operations team will retain 177 employees while furloughing 91. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office is set to retain over 200 staff due to its crucial involvement in ongoing trade discussions with China.

In a further breakdown, the National Drug Management Policy Office will cut 48 of its 56 employees, and the Vice President’s office will release three out of its 18 staff members. The executive housing team, responsible for maintaining the White House and its grounds, will keep 40 of its 82 employees.

As the impasse continues, OMB Director Vought is leading efforts to reduce federal workers, claiming many do not align with the president’s priorities. Since the onset of the shutdown, he has also announced significant budget cuts, including $8 billion from green energy projects, an $18 billion halt on a New York City infrastructure initiative, and a $2.1 billion freeze on transit projects in Chicago.