Amid threats of layoffs, the number of federal workers who haven’t yet found themselves furloughed is fueling theories

President Donald Trump is quietly benefiting from the federal government shutting down. The shutdown, which began at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, arrived just in time to delay the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ September jobs report,

The number of federal employees has been trimmed by thousands since President Trump took office, according to contingency plans drawn up by federal agencies.

The only thing that’s changed is President Trump. Republicans stand ready to keep the government funded—we’ll be here," Sen. Katie Britt said.

Interior Department staff have been told to take their work devices home so they can monitor layoff notifications

Trump warns that 'vast numbers' of federal workers could be laid off in a government shutdown looming at midnight Sept. 30.

The Washington Post editorial board argued that Congressional Progressive Caucus tactics mirrored failed GOP strategies, leaving Democrats vulnerable during the federal government shutdown.

Democrats think the messages may violate the Hatch Act, which prohibits government resources from being used for political ends.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on CNN reacted to concerns by Democrats that President Donald Trump could use the shutdown to shrink the federal government. DANA BASH, CNN: I do want -- I want to talk about something you said this morning about Chuck Schumer.

Other Trump priorities are similarly insulated. Interior will keep processing oil-and-gas permits, and NASA’s Artemis moon program is set to proceed—protections that weren’t as explicitly carved out in earlier shutdowns, the outlet reported.