Federal Workforce Faces Massive Cuts Under Trump Administration

Just a month after President Donald Trump’s administration initiated the termination of over 100,000 early-tenure federal government employees, a far-reaching reduction in the workforce is underway across the United States. Details of this extensive downsizing are becoming clearer with each passing hour.

These substantial job cuts within the U.S. government, one of the world’s largest employers, are occurring amidst growing economic concerns. Economists are increasingly worried about the risk of a recession, potentially triggered by Trump’s trade conflicts with key allies such as Canada and Mexico. These trade disputes have already negatively impacted stock prices and caused anxiety among Americans regarding their retirement savings.

Several government agencies are facing significant staff reductions. The Department of Education is slated to lay off half of its employees, a drastic measure that raises questions about the future of federal education policy. The nation’s leading weather forecasting agency, responsible for providing crucial information for public safety, is preparing to cut 20% of its workforce, a move that could potentially impact the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts. NASA, the agency responsible for space exploration and scientific discovery, is shutting down three key offices, signaling a potential shift in its priorities. Furthermore, leaked plans reveal a potential layoff of 76,000 employees within the Department of Veterans Affairs, raising serious concerns about the agency’s ability to provide adequate care and services to the nation’s veterans. President Trump has even considered cutting over half of the staff at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a decision that could have significant implications for environmental protection and regulation.

The deadline for agencies to submit their plans for large-scale layoffs, officially termed "reduction in force," is Thursday. However, agencies have been submitting their plans ahead of schedule, notifying employees about the impending expiration of their positions.

On February 11, with Elon Musk, a known proponent of workforce efficiency, by his side, President Trump signed an executive order calling for federal agencies to "promptly undertake preparations to initiate large-scale reductions in force." The order specifically referenced the legal term for mass layoffs and directed the separation of temporary employees who would likely be affected.

The executive order prioritized layoffs in areas where the Trump administration has suspended or closed programs, functions deemed nonessential during government shutdowns, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Notably, public safety, immigration enforcement, and law enforcement were specifically exempted from the order.

The executive order granted agency heads 30 days to submit reports to the budget office, evaluating whether the agency or its subcomponents should be eliminated or consolidated. The order also implemented a hiring freeze, allowing agencies to hire only one new worker for every four who leave. The order contained a broad exception for military personnel and allowed agency heads to exempt positions deemed necessary for national security, homeland security, or public safety responsibilities.

Approximately two weeks later, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the government’s human resources arm, issued formal guidance for what it termed "Agency RIF and Reorganization Plans." The guidance reiterated the March 13 deadline, 30 days after Trump’s executive order.

The OPM memo outlined that plans should include "a significant reduction" in full-time positions, less use of real estate, and a smaller budget. It called for eliminating functions not required by law and ensuring the efficient delivery of essential services. The memo also suggested that layoffs could take effect before the plans were officially due, indicating that layoff notices could be issued at any time. Agencies were given the option to use layoffs, attrition, removal of underperforming employees, and renegotiation of collective bargaining agreements as methods for workforce reduction.

The human resources memo specifically instructed agencies that provide direct services, including Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ health care, to delay implementing their reductions in force until the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and OPM could review the plans and "certify that the plans will have a positive effect on the delivery of such services."

Employees of the Postal Service, which operates independently from the executive branch, were exempt from the layoffs. Similarly, employees in the Executive Office of the President were also exempt. These exemptions were in addition to the previously mentioned broader exemptions for military personnel, border security personnel, national security personnel, immigration enforcement personnel, and public safety personnel.

Federal law generally requires agencies to provide employees with 60 days’ notice before being laid off. However, the law also permits OPM to reduce this notice period to 30 days. In its memo to agencies, OPM outlined a timeline that included the 60-day notice period, but noted that it could be shortened to 30 days with a waiver from OPM.

The Department of Veterans Affairs was among the first agencies to develop its layoff plan. A March 4 memo, obtained by USA TODAY, detailed a plan to cut 76,000 workers, representing approximately 16% of the department’s 483,000 employees as of September. The memo indicated that the Department of Veterans Affairs would publish a reorganization plan in June 2025 and implement a department-wide reduction in force by the end of the fiscal year, September 30. The memo called for the department to coordinate actions with Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.

The Department of Education, which President Trump has expressed interest in shuttering entirely, offered buyouts to employees who accepted them by March 3, ahead of "very significant" workforce reductions. The department subsequently announced that it would be slashing its workforce in half, laying off or accepting resignations of approximately 2,100 of its 4,200 employees.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is laying off more than 1,000 people, or about 20% of its staff. Similarly, NASA informed employees that it would be closing three offices, including the office of the chief scientist. Cheryl Warner, a spokesperson for NASA, stated that the agency was giving workers 30 days’ notice.

“This accelerated timeframe allows the agency to address these necessary adjustments quickly, in line with the governments larger efficiency goals,” Warner explained in an email. “This decision supports NASAs ability to continue meeting its mission needs while adhering to the mandated restructuring process.”

These widespread workforce reductions are raising significant concerns about the future of the federal government and its ability to effectively serve the American people. The cuts could lead to reduced services, increased workloads for remaining employees, and a decline in morale. The potential economic consequences of these layoffs, coupled with existing concerns about trade wars and a possible recession, further amplify the uncertainty surrounding the future of the U.S. economy.