Donald Trump directs Federal agencies for major layoffs amid Elon Musk-led DOGE's cost-cutting push
Trump's administration has directed federal agencies to implement large-scale layoffs, with plans due by March 13. The memo aims for a significant staff reduction, impacting probationary workers first before targeting experienced civil servants, as part of a campaign to shrink the U.S. government.
Donald Trump's administration, federal agencies were directed to carry out additional large-scale layoffs, as Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), pledged at Trump's first cabinet meeting to push for substantial spending reductions.
As reported by Reuters, a new memo from the administration required agencies to submit plans by March 13 for a "significant reduction" in staff, adding to the already strained federal workforce due to Musk's earlier rounds of layoffs and program cuts. The memo did not specify how many layoffs were expected.
The memo, signed by White House budget director Russell Vought and Office of Personnel Management acting head Charles Ezell, represents a major escalation in Trump and Musk's campaign to shrink the U.S. government, said the report.
So far, the layoffs have primarily affected probationary workers, who have shorter tenure and fewer job protections in their positions. The next phase is set to target a much larger group of experienced civil servants.
During the cabinet meeting, Trump announced that Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, intends to reduce up to 65% of the agency's more than 15,000 employees.
On Tuesday, a source from the Interior Department told Reuters that agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs should brace for workforce cuts ranging from 10% to 40%.
Since Trump took office, around 100,000 of the nation’s 2.3 million civilian federal workers have either been fired or accepted buyouts.
Trump showed strong support for Musk's cost-cutting efforts by inviting the billionaire to the cabinet meeting, where he was asked to discuss the work of his Department of Government Efficiency, which oversees the restructuring.
(With inputs from Reuters)
- Federal agencies are facing significant workforce reductions as part of Trump's directive.
- Elon Musk's influence on government efficiency is leading to an unprecedented downsizing of civil services.
- The next phase of layoffs will impact experienced federal employees, marking a shift in workforce strategy.
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