The layoffs have sparked backlash from federal employee unions and critics, who argue that abrupt terminations could disrupt essential public services as some workers were reportedly given as little as 30 minutes' notice to clear their desks.
In a significant effort to reduce the size of the federal government, President Donald Trump and his advisor, tech billionaire Elon Musk, recently orchestrated 9,500 layoffs while 75,000 employees have opted for buyouts. The cuts primarily affected probationary employees with less than a year of service, who have fewer job protections.
The layoffs span multiple government agencies, including the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Education, and the Small Business Administration. According to Reuters, officials from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) advised agencies on Thursday to dismiss probationary workers as part of a broader restructuring.
Additionally, job cuts at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) extended beyond probationary employees, with some contract workers also receiving termination notices.
The layoffs have sparked backlash from federal employee unions and critics, who argue that abrupt terminations could disrupt essential public services. Some workers were reportedly given as little as 30 minutes' notice to clear their desks. Legal challenges are expected as concerns grow over the impact on agencies responsible for tax collection, scientific research, and national security.
A push for efficiency amid growing national debt
The Trump administration has defended the workforce reductions as necessary to curb government inefficiency, citing widespread waste and fraud. The U.S. government currently faces a staggering $36 trillion debt and ran a $1.8 trillion deficit last year, reinforcing bipartisan calls for fiscal reform.
Agencies Hit the Hardest
Department of the Interior
Department of Energy
Department of Agriculture
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Department of Education
General Services Administration (GSA)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Despite the controversy, Trump and Musk remain committed to their goal of reducing the federal workforce, a move they claim is necessary to streamline government operations and address the growing fiscal crisis.
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