Shutdown Enters Third Week as More Than 4,000 Federal Workers Face Layoffs, Telehealth Services Disrupted

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2025 – As the federal government shutdown reaches its 14th day, more than 4,000 federal workers are expected to be laid off across multiple agencies, and healthcare groups warn of growing disruptions to telehealth services nationwide.

According to reports, the Trump administration planned to eliminate roughly 4,100 positions from seven federal departments. The layoffs, referred to as reductions-in-force (RIFs), were outlined in a memo issued nearly two weeks ago by Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought.

The Department of Health and Human Services will see the largest cuts, with between 1,100 and 1,200 employees expected to lose their jobs. The Commerce Department will shed about 315 workers, while the Federal Communications Commission has not yet announced any layoffs. Other agencies are still weighing additional reductions.