Easy to say, but not very smart.
I agree with reviewing every vacancy to determine if it’s critical and should be filled, realigned or done away with; my department already does that. But a blanket “I’m not hiring” is not good policy.
I understand what you're saying but there are two ways to cut government. Defund and layoff or let attrition take care of it. I would think in most positions there could be retraining rather than hiring new to take the place of a retiree.