Trump news at a glance: layoffs for federal workers begin and president threatens China with tariffs

President suggests layoffs will be a lot' and in Democrat areas as unions for federal workers take the matter to court - key US politics stories from 10 October at a glance

Mass firings of US federal workers have begun, as Republicans work to exert pressure on Democrat lawmakers to end a government shutdown. The White House budget office said the layoffs were substantial", with unions for federal workers taking the matter to court. President Donald Trump said of the job losses it'll be a lot" and suggested those losing their jobs would be in areas that were Democrat oriented".

The government shutdown comes as the US president has revived the trade war with China, this time promising to increase tariffs on Chinese imports by 100%. His administration is also considering using visa restrictions and sanctions against countries that support the International Maritime Organization's net zero framework" proposal.