(DCNF)—Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said Wednesday that the Trump administration plans to eliminate more than 10,000 federal positions during the ongoing government shutdown.
Vought, long branded by Trump as the “Grim Reaper,” spent years crafting a sweeping blueprint to dismantle large parts of the federal bureaucracy, a plan allies say should terrify Democrats. Appearing on “The Charlie Kirk Show,” Vought said the administration plans to be “very aggressive” in shuttering government agencies.
“We want to be very aggressive where we can be in shuttering the bureaucracy, not just the funding but the bureaucracy, [so] that we now have an opportunity to do that, and that’s where we’re going to be looking for our opportunities,” Vought said.
Vought said several agencies could face reductions or closures, including environmental programs linked to the Green New Deal at the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency’s environmental justice initiatives, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
“We’re gonna keep those rips rolling throughout this shutdown because we think it’s important to stay on offense for the American taxpayer and the American people in getting a government that, if there’s an opportunity to have less bureaucracy,” Vought said.
“Think of Green New Deal programs at the Department of Energy. Think [of] the minority business development agency at Commerce that divvies up business grants on the basis of race. Think environmental justice at EPA. Think about CISA. CISA was an area that we riffed which was participating in censorship [of] the American people.”
Hours after Vought’s remarks, U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston issued a temporary restraining order blocking the administration from proceeding with layoffs, saying the firings appeared to violate federal law.
“It’s very much ready, fire, aim on most of these programs, and it has a human cost,” Illston said, as reported by The Associated Press. “It’s a human cost that cannot be tolerated.”
The White House had already issued reduction-in-force notices to roughly 4,200 federal workers, with Vought predicting that number would rise.
“It could grow higher,” Vought said. “I think we’ll probably end up being north of 10,000.”
The layoffs come as the shutdown enters its third week, with thousands of government employees furloughed or working without pay. President Donald Trump on Wednesday directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use remaining congressional funds to continue paying active-duty military personnel.
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How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
- Extended Shelf Life: Up to 25 years of storage, so you can buy once and forget about rotation worries.
- Nutritional Balance: High-protein entrees, fruits, vegetables, and dairy alternatives to keep your energy up and health intact.
- Ease of Preparation: Just add water, and you’ve got hearty meals like beef stroganoff, chili mac, or cheesy lasagna ready in minutes—no garden weeding required.
- Customizable Options: From individual buckets to family-sized kits, scale your supply to fit your needs and budget.
- Peace of Mind: Sealed in durable, waterproof containers that protect against pests, moisture, and light.
Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
Visit Heaven’s Harvest today and use code “PATRIOT” for an exclusive discount on your order. Don’t let limitations hold you back; build your resilient future, one meal at a time. Your family will thank you when it matters most.
