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Widespread terminations of government workers have begun, as GOP legislators apply pressure on Democrat officials to end a federal closure. The White House budget office described the layoffs as “significant,” with unions for federal workers bringing the matter to court. The president commented that the employment cuts “will be a lot” and suggested that affected positions would be in regions that were “Democrat oriented.”

Administration Announces Government Employee Layoffs

The executive branch announced staff cuts of government employees on Friday, fulfilling a threat it had issued in response to the US government shutdown, which now seems likely to stretch into a third straight week. The director of the administration's office of budget management posted on online platforms that “RIFs have begun,” referring to the government’s process to let employees go.

Chief Executive Warns 100% Chinese Tariffs

The American leader has threatened to impose further US import taxes of 100% on China from next month, accusing the Chinese government of “extremely aggressive” moves to restrict exports of minerals required for US manufacturing. Financial markets fell significantly after the US president reignited public disputes with the Chinese government, and raised the possibility of another contentious commercial conflict between the world’s two largest economies.

Military Forces Seen on Memphis Roads

National guard troops were observed monitoring in the Tennessee city for the first time on Friday, as part of the administration's disputed government initiative, amid intense legal challenges as he was prevented from sending forces to Chicago and a judicial decision was awaited in Portland, Oregon.

MIT Rejects White House Plan to Overhaul Policies

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has become the initial American university to officially turn down a presidential offer that would overhaul academic guidelines in exchange for priority access to government money.

Administration Slams Perceived Peace Award Snub

The White House has condemned the peace prize panel's choice to grant the prestigious award to a candidate besides the US leader. “The award panel demonstrated they place politics over harmony,” stated a White House advisor and director of public relations.

Other Occurred This Day:

• The president had what he has described as a “biannual physical” at the military health facility.
• Up to 40 American professors have been fired or disciplined after conservative campaigns focused on their comments on a violent incident, creating a “atmosphere of fear” on campuses.
• Leading NY Democrats have rallied behind a state official a 24 hours after she was charged on mortgage fraud allegations by a federal prosecutor selected by the president.