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Massive terminations of government employees have begun, as Republican legislators work to exert influence on Democratic officials to resolve a government shutdown. The administration's financial office characterized the reductions as “substantial,” with unions for federal workers bringing the matter to litigation. The chief executive commented that the employment cuts “will be a lot” and implied that affected jobs would be in areas that were “leaning Democratic.”

White House Announces Federal Worker Layoffs

The executive branch announced staff cuts of government employees on Friday, fulfilling a warning it had issued in reaction to the federal closure, which now seems probable to stretch into a third straight week. The head of the administration's office of budget management wrote on social media that “RIFs have begun,” referring to the government’s process to terminate staff.

President Threatens 100% Chinese Tariffs

The American leader has threatened to enact further US tariffs of 100% on China from the coming month, accusing the Chinese government of “extremely aggressive” actions to limit exports of minerals needed for US manufacturing. Wall Street fell significantly after the American leader reignited open disputes with the Chinese government, and raised the prospect of a further contentious trade war between the world’s two largest economies.

National Guard Forces Seen on City Streets

National guard troops were seen monitoring in the Tennessee city for the first time on the weekend's eve, as part of the president's controversial federal taskforce, amid intense legal challenges as he was blocked from deploying forces to Chicago and a court ruling was awaited in Portland, Oregon.

University Declines White House Proposal to Revamp Policies

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has emerged as the initial US university to formally reject a presidential proposal that would restructure university guidelines in return for priority entry to federal funding.

Administration Criticizes Alleged Peace Award Snub

The White House has denounced the Norwegian Nobel committee's decision to award the Nobel peace prize to someone other than the US leader. “The Nobel committee proved they place politics over harmony,” wrote a White House advisor and head of public relations.

What Else Happened Today:

• The president had what he has described as a “semiannual physical” at the military health facility.
• Up to 40 American professors have been fired or penalized after rightwing efforts targeted their remarks on an assassination, creating a “climate of anxiety” on campuses.
• Prominent New York Democrats have come together behind a state official a day after she was indicted on financial charges by a government lawyer selected by the president.