Yes, an RIF can be done, but I think democrats are counting on that, so the sob stories will escalate. And even though it’s THEIR fault, every news agency is going to lay it at the feet of President Trump, and though most of America knows the truth, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and boy on boy, the democrats know how to squeak!
IOW, President Trump is probably going to have to declare a national emergency, or get much more serious political blowback.
Reagan did a RIF in his first term, and it didn't hurt his poll numbers much.
I remember seeing the RIF'ed govies demonstrating in front of the White House, with signs saying "Ronnie the RIF'fer".