Trump Targets Independent Agencies in Shutdown, Avoids Big Cuts

Trump Targets Independent Agencies in Shutdown, Avoids Big Cuts

President Donald Trump has begun the latest government shutdown by cutting funds to smaller, Democrat-backed agencies while sparing major federal programs — for now. The strategy underscores the White House’s attempt to inflict maximum political pain on Democrats without sparking backlash from Republicans or alienating Trump’s voter base.

In the first hours of the shutdown, the administration defunded the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, an umbrella group supporting oversight across federal agencies. It also dismissed most staff tied to the National Endowment for the Humanities, leaving only a handful of Trump appointees. These targeted actions allow the administration to slash programs disliked by Republicans while avoiding broad cuts that could provoke opposition within the GOP.

Budget director Russell Vought has long pushed for sweeping reductions in the federal workforce, but the White House appears to be taking a narrower approach for now. Trump has pledged to follow through on layoffs at what he called “Democrat agencies,” with press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggesting thousands of staff could ultimately be cut.

Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have already shown concern about more aggressive cuts, particularly as they face additional funding votes in the coming days. By focusing on smaller, independent agencies, the White House can punish Democrats while sidestepping direct clashes with Cabinet members — many of whom were unsettled by earlier cuts under former Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk.

The shutdown began after Democrats rejected a GOP-backed “clean” funding bill that excluded an extension of certain Obamacare subsidies. Republicans argue that Democrats expanded eligibility for those subsidies to more immigrants, a move the White House strongly opposed. With both sides locked in a standoff, the administration appears poised to escalate layoffs if the shutdown drags on.

Key Takeaways

• Trump has cut funding to small, Democrat-backed agencies while sparing major programs.

• Early shutdown moves include defunding oversight councils and firing NEH staff.

• The White House seeks to pressure Democrats without provoking Republican allies.

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