Fallout from Federal Workforce Reduction Continues
Mass Layoffs Sweep Across Agencies
Fallout from the Trump administration’s executive order on workforce optimization continues to escalate, as more agencies report layoffs. The order, signed by President Trump in February 2020, directs federal agencies to reduce their workforce in an effort to improve efficiency and save costs.
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense announced plans to lay off 5,400 probationary employees, representing a 5-8% reduction in its civilian workforce. This move follows a hiring freeze implemented by the department to evaluate personnel needs.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Approximately 6,000 employees at the IRS are facing layoffs, representing nearly 6% of the agency’s 100,000-person workforce.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Over 400 employees at CISA, FEMA, and USCIS have been fired as part of the workforce reduction. These employees were identified as "non-mission critical personnel" in probationary status.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
The TSA confirmed the termination of 243 probationary workers hired or promoted within the past year. The agency cited performance and conduct issues during the employees’ trial period.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Approximately 400 recently hired support staff employees at the FAA were fired as part of the Trump administration’s mass firings of federal workers.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
More than 100 employees at the CFPB have been laid off, with more layoffs on hold due to a court challenge. Termination notices were sent to employees across various work groups, including the offices of general counsel, special education and rehabilitation services, and federal student aid.
Education Department
President Trump has expressed his desire to dismantle the Education Department, which employs about 4,400 people. However, Congress would need to approve such a move.
Department of Energy
As many as 2,000 workers at the Department of Energy have been laid off, including staff at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Thousands of probationary employees have been fired across HHS, including approximately 700 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and over 1,000 at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Department of the Interior
At least 2,300 federal workers have been terminated in the Department of the Interior, including 800 Bureau of Land Management employees and about 1,000 National Park Service workers.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
More than 100 probationary employees at the EPA have received termination letters. Dozens of employees were initially reinstated but later received termination letters again.
General Services Administration (GSA)
Over 100 probationary employees at the GSA have been terminated. The agency manages the nation’s real estate portfolio.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Approximately 20% of the SBA’s staff, or about 720 employees, have been fired, including hundreds of probationary employees.
U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service has fired about 3,400 probational workers, representing nearly 10% of its workforce. The layoffs do not include firefighters, law enforcement officers, bridge inspectors, or meteorologists.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Approximately 10,000 USAID employees, excluding essential personnel, have been placed on administrative leave amid ongoing battles over federal funding freeze in court.
Impact on Employees
The mass layoffs have had a significant impact on federal employees, many of whom are facing financial hardship and uncertainty about their future employment prospects. Some employees have filed lawsuits challenging the legality of the layoffs.
Ongoing Controversy
The workforce reduction has been met with significant controversy. Critics argue that the layoffs are unnecessary and will have a negative impact on the government’s ability to provide essential services. Supporters of the workforce reduction maintain that it is necessary to streamline government operations and reduce costs.
Uncertainty Looms
As the fallout from the workforce reduction continues, it remains uncertain how many federal employees will ultimately be laid off. The full impact of the layoffs on government services and the federal workforce is yet to be determined.
