In the United States, on October 10, a large-scale wave of layoffs began across a number of federal agencies. According to the Department of Justice, more than 4,200 government employees from seven federal institutions have received termination notices. The layoffs affected, in particular, the Departments of Treasury, Health, and Education.

U.S. President Donald Trump placed the blame on the Democrats for what is happening. “They started it,” he said, calling the layoffs “Democrat-driven.”

The reductions are taking place amid Trump’s previously announced program to downsize the federal workforce, under which about 300,000 employees are expected to leave their positions this year.

Trump also ordered a freeze on at least $28 billion in infrastructure funds allocated to the states of New York, California, and Illinois — areas where Democratic support is strong.

“The layoffs have begun,” wrote Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, on social media, using the term Reduction in Force (RIF). According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 1,400 layoffs occurred at the Treasury Department and at least 1,100 at the Department of Health.

Andrew Nixon, a representative of the Department of Health, reported that employees from several divisions received layoff notices. About 40 percent of the department’s 78,000 workers are already on forced leave, while others are required to work without pay.

On Friday, there were also reports of layoffs at the Department of Commerce and in the cybersecurity division of the Department of Homeland Security. It is not yet known whether the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be affected, where earlier about 46 percent of its roughly 78,000 employees were placed on unpaid leave.

Democrats stated they do not intend to yield to Trump’s pressure. “Until Republicans are ready to act seriously, the responsibility lies with them — for every lost job, for every affected family, for every canceled public service,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Criticism also came from Republicans. Senator Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, called the layoffs a mistake. “The work of federal employees is incredibly important to serving citizens,” she emphasized.

The operation of federal institutions in the U.S. has been paralyzed due to the inability of Congress to reach a budget agreement. Although Donald Trump’s Republicans hold a majority in both chambers, they still need at least seven Democratic votes in the Senate to pass a funding bill. However, Democrats are blocking the measure, demanding an extension of healthcare subsidies.