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Massive terminations of US federal workers have begun, as GOP lawmakers apply pressure on Democrat counterparts to resolve a federal closure. The White House budget office described the layoffs as “significant,” with labor groups for federal workers taking the issue to litigation. The chief executive remarked that the job losses “are going to be a lot” and implied that affected positions would be in regions that were “leaning Democratic.”

White House Declares Federal Worker Reductions

The White House revealed layoffs of federal workers on the end of the week, fulfilling a warning it had made in reaction to the US government shutdown, which now appears probable to extend into a consecutive third week. The head of the administration's office of budget management posted on social media that “reduction-in-force procedures have started,” indicating the government’s procedure to terminate staff.

President Threatens 100% China Tariffs

The American leader has vowed to impose further US tariffs of one hundred percent on Chinese goods from the coming month, charging the Chinese government of “very hostile” moves to limit shipments of rare earths required for American industry. Wall Street fell significantly after the US president reignited open tensions with the Beijing administration, and raised the possibility of another contentious trade war between the planet's biggest economies.

National Guard Forces Seen on Memphis Streets

National guard soldiers were seen monitoring in the Tennessee city for the initial occasion on Friday, as part of the president's disputed federal taskforce, amid intense legal challenges as he was prevented from sending troops to the Illinois city and a judicial decision was pending in Portland, Oregon.

MIT Declines White House Plan to Revamp Procedures

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has emerged as the initial American university to formally turn down a executive proposal that would overhaul university guidelines in return for priority entry to government money.

Administration Criticizes Perceived Peace Award Snub

The White House has condemned the Norwegian Nobel committee's choice to award the Nobel peace prize to a candidate besides the president. “The award panel demonstrated they prioritize political motives over harmony,” stated a presidential aide and director of communications.

Other Occurred This Day:

• The chief executive had what he has characterized as a “semiannual physical” at the Walter Reed health facility.
• As many as forty US academics have been dismissed or penalized after rightwing campaigns focused on their remarks on an assassination, creating a “climate of fear” on campuses.
• Prominent NY Democrats have rallied in support of a state official a day after she was indicted on mortgage fraud allegations by a government lawyer appointed by the administration.