CNN was abruptly halted for an urgent breaking news announcement, giving an update on US president . Host Erin Burnett on the OutFront programme called a swift halt to the show for the update, which will see a huge shake-up in US government.

She told viewers: "Breaking news, striking again. CNN learning the Education Department is expected to begin sweeping layoffs tonight. The goal, we understand, is to cut about half of the 4,100 person workforce - so 50% cut for the DOE.

"It comes as a CNN investigation looks into a high-ranking employee at the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM), the agency that sent out the mass email asking federal workers to justify their jobs. A high-ranking employee has been filming influencer videos that promote what she's wearing on social media from inside her government office."

That influencer is McLaurine Pinover, director of communications at OPM. A reporter explained that she works at "Ground Zero for Trump's plan to cut thousands of workers from the federal government in the name of efficiency."

She added: "Inside her office, Pinover captures video at her desk, putting on make-up, modelling new outfits to her 800 followers. Pinover markets clothes on her account using what's called affiliate links - she could get a portion of any item sold through her Instagram page."

Though it was made clear CNN does not know whether Pinover has actually made any money from affiliate links on a skirt costing $475 or a dress going for $300, the reporter continued: "On February 13th, the day 20 people on her communications team lost their jobs, she posted: 'A moment for mixed patterns.'

"The week when her agency demanded all federal employees list five things they did that week, she posted 'The business woman special'.

"About 15 minutes after CNN reached out to her for comment, her Instagram account was deleted. She declined to comment officially to CNN."