Washington (AP) — President Donald Trump's government shutdown is unprecedented, with his budget office empowered to determine who gets affected financially—leading to significant layoffs across the federal workforce. As the shutdown continues into its third week, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is preparing for further reductions, allowing for a major restructuring aligned with Trump's priorities. Under the leadership of Russ Vought, dubbed the 'grim reaper' by critics, the decisions to maintain military pay while cutting jobs in health and education sectors have raised legal and ethical concerns. With Congress split on funding issues, Vought's actions represent a stark shift in how the government operates during such crises. The potential layoff of up to 750,000 workers underscores the severity of the situation, and many are uncertain whether they will receive back pay once the shutdown concludes. Advocates warn that these changes could have long-lasting implications, while the Trump administration pushes forward amidst the chaos.