In a bold move, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered federal agencies to implement substantial layoffs, signaling a major escalation in efforts to reduce the size of the government. This directive comes amidst collaboration with Elon Musk, who was prominently featured at Trump’s first cabinet meeting to discuss ambitious budget reductions.
A newly issued memo requires agencies to present plans for a \"significant reduction\" in staffing by March 13. While the exact number of new layoffs was not specified, the directive targets a federal workforce already affected by previous waves of job cuts and program reductions spearheaded by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Previously, layoffs have primarily impacted probationary workers with limited job protections. The upcoming round is expected to target the larger group of veteran civil servants, amplifying the administration’s campaign to streamline government operations.
During the cabinet meeting, Trump highlighted plans by Lee Zeldin, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator, to cut up to 65 percent of EPA’s workforce of over 15,000 employees. Additionally, an Interior Department source revealed that bureaus such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs are preparing for potential workforce reductions of up to 40 percent.
To date, approximately 100,000 of the nation’s 2.3 million civilian federal workers have been either fired or offered buyouts. Trump’s invitation to Musk to present at the cabinet meeting underscores the administration’s commitment to aggressive budget-cutting measures.
Despite these efforts, spending has not decreased. A Reuters analysis indicated that government expenditures increased by 13 percent during Trump’s first month in office compared to the same period last year, driven by higher interest payments and rising health and retirement costs.
Trump has reiterated his promise to protect popular health and retirement benefits, which constitute nearly half of the federal budget. He remains steadfast in his pledge, declaring, \"We're not going to touch it.\" Concurrently, the administration is pushing Congress to extend the 2017 tax cuts, which are projected to significantly increase the national debt.
The administration’s actions have sparked uncertainty among federal workers, especially after an email from Musk requiring employees to list their weekly accomplishments or face termination. This move has raised concerns about job security among the roughly one million workers who did not respond to the directive.
As the administration continues its push for efficiency and budget reductions, the impact on the federal workforce and government operations remains a critical point of focus.
