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Widespread firings of US federal employees have begun, as Republican lawmakers work to exert pressure on Democratic counterparts to resolve a federal closure. The White House budget office characterized the reductions as “substantial,” with labor groups for government employees bringing the matter to court. The president remarked that the job losses “will be a lot” and suggested that affected positions would be in regions that were “leaning Democratic.”

Administration Declares Government Employee Layoffs

The executive branch announced layoffs of government employees on Friday, making good on a threat it had issued in reaction to the federal closure, which now appears probable to stretch into a consecutive third week. The head of the administration's office of budget management wrote on online platforms that “reduction-in-force procedures have started,” referring to the government’s process to let employees go.

Chief Executive Threatens Total China Duties

The American leader has threatened to enact additional American import taxes of 100% on China from next month, accusing the Chinese government of “very hostile” actions to restrict shipments of minerals required for American industry. Wall Street fell sharply after the US president reignited public tensions with the Chinese government, and raised the prospect of another acrimonious commercial conflict between the world’s two largest economies.

National Guard Forces Spotted on City Streets

Reserve troops were observed patrolling in the Tennessee city for the initial occasion on the weekend's eve, as part of the president's controversial federal taskforce, amid intense legal challenges as he was prevented from deploying forces to the Illinois city and a court ruling was awaited in the Oregon city.

MIT Rejects White House Plan to Overhaul Policies

The MIT has emerged as the first US university to officially turn down a executive proposal that would restructure university policies in return for priority access to federal funding.

White House Slams Perceived Peace Award Omission

The White House has denounced the peace prize panel's decision to grant the prestigious award to someone other than the president. “The award panel demonstrated they prioritize politics over harmony,” stated a White House advisor and head of public relations.

What Else Occurred Today:

• The president had what he has described as a “biannual physical” at the military health facility.
• Up to forty American professors have been fired or disciplined after conservative efforts targeted their remarks on a violent incident, causing a “atmosphere of anxiety” on campuses.
• Leading New York Democrats have come together in support of a public figure a day after she was charged on mortgage fraud allegations by a federal prosecutor appointed by the administration.