Elon Musk's Team Leads Major Layoffs in Federal Workforce Under Trump Administration
Elon Musk's team has begun cutting federal employees as part of the Trump administration's effort to downsize the civilian workforce and reduce governmental budget allocations.
Billionaire Elon Musk's team has initiated sweeping layoffs of federal employees as the Trump administration races to shrink the government's civilian workforce.
An official with the Office of Personnel Management, now run by Musk allies, emailed staff stating that widespread layoffs, known as "reductions in force," have begun, overwhelming the small agency responsible for human resources in the government. OPM is also asserting more control over federal hiring.
The White House is considering cuts to agency budgets of 30 to 40 percent on average across the government, while protecting agencies favored by President Trump, such as the Defense and Homeland Security Departments.
Late Wednesday, a federal judge lifted a pause on a deferred resignation program compensating workers through September who choose to quit, marking a step in the administration's efforts to reform the federal workforce.
Trump signed an executive order directing agency heads to prepare for large-scale reductions in force and gave Musk’s team influence over agency hiring decisions.
If successful, this could lead to significant transformation of the civilian workforce while allowing Trump to wield more power over regulations. However, legal obstacles may arise, with critics warning of negative impacts on vital services and skepticism regarding fiscal benefits of cutting the civil service.
Confusion has spread in Washington as employees receive erroneous termination emails. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Small Business Administration both experienced mishaps with notifications of termination that were later revoked.
Despite being exempt from hiring freezes, the Veterans Affairs department faces delays in hiring medical professionals due to political oversight requirements imposed by OPM.
The campaign to reduce workforce numbers includes targeting probationary employees, whose dismissal has been a priority. The last month saw offers of deferred resignation to federal workers, which can lead to significant staff reductions.
Previous administrative efforts to trim the federal workforce have also occurred, and the Trump administration may circumvent some legal requirements through strategic agency reorganization.
Experts warn that the administration’s plans may be legally contested, arguing that the executive branch cannot unilaterally dictate agency spending and personnel decisions.
In summary, Musk and Trump’s strategies for substantial cuts could further reshape the role of federal workers, potentially easing substantial budgetary shifts in the future.
