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Sweeping Government Layoffs Under Trump: What You Need to Know
The Trump administration is reportedly implementing significant workforce reductions across numerous federal agencies, triggering legal battles and public discussion. A federal judge has even ordered the reinstatement of tens of thousands of fired employees, marking a major challenge to these efforts.
Several agencies have announced or begun implementing substantial layoffs. The Department of Education reportedly plans to lay off half of its workers, about 2,000 employees, and has expressed intentions to potentially shut down the agency. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is preparing for a second round of layoffs expected to impact roughly 10% of its workforce, raising concerns about weather forecasting capabilities.
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has begun firing some probationary employees, following earlier dismissals of diversity staffers. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) intends to cut over 80,000 workers to return to 2019 staffing levels. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was reportedly preparing to reduce its workforce by about 50% through layoffs and buyouts. USAID has seen thousands of employees reportedly fired or placed on leave, with a significant portion of its programs allegedly shut down.
Other agencies facing staff reductions include the Social Security Administration, the Labor Department, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA has been directed to identify employees working on climate, environmental justice, equity, and DEIA initiatives for potential firings. The TSA, the Office of Community Planning and Development, the Department of Defense, health agencies like NIH and CDC, the Department of Energy, the U.S. Forest Service, the Small Business Administration, the Office of Personnel Management, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the National Nuclear Safety Administration, the General Services Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have also experienced or are planning layoffs.
These widespread staff cuts are largely attributed to the mission of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to eliminate what is considered government waste. While Trump has stated that agency heads ultimately have the authority over firing decisions, he also suggested that Musk would step in if agencies don’t make sufficient cuts.
The focus of many of these initial layoffs has been on probationary employees, who have fewer job protections. However, the administration has also offered voluntary resignation packages to all federal civilian workers, suggesting that further terminations could be on the horizon for those who don’t take the offer.
The legality of these terminations, particularly of probationary employees, is being challenged in court. A federal judge has ordered several agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management, to reinstate fired probationary workers, deeming the terminations “unlawful.” Lawsuits have also been filed by labor unions and inspectors general, arguing that the mass firings violate federal protocol and rules.
Looking ahead, the Trump administration is reportedly aiming for significant budget cuts across all government agencies, with staffing reductions playing a key role. The potential reinstatement of Schedule F, a policy that reclassifies many federal employees as at-will, could further streamline the process for future dismissals.
Trump layoffs, government downsizing, federal workforce, Elon Musk DOGE, probationary employees, agency cuts, legal challenges, Schedule F