On Wednesday, the Trump administration took significant steps toward implementing large-scale layoffs across the federal government. This move came just hours after President Trump reiterated his full support for Elon Musk’s efforts to downsize the federal workforce.
In recent weeks, thousands of federal employees—primarily those on probationary status—have already been let go. Additionally, approximately 75,000 workers accepted offers for deferred resignation, allowing them to leave their positions in exchange for seven months of pay and benefits.
Despite backlash, including growing disapproval in recent polls and vocal opposition at town halls, President Trump made it clear at his first cabinet meeting that he stands firmly behind Musk’s efforts to cut government size. When asked if anyone was unhappy with Musk’s actions, Trump responded, “If you are, we’ll throw him out of here,” amid nervous laughter from those present.
The White House Office of Management and Budget, led by Russell T. Vought, and the Office of Personnel Management, led by Charles Ezell, circulated a memo directing federal agencies to prepare for even more substantial workforce reductions in March and April. The memo described the federal bureaucracy as “bloated” and “corrupt,” urging agencies to focus on eliminating non-essential functions, with cuts potentially extending to the maximum allowed by law.
Agencies are instructed to submit plans for these next phases of layoffs by March 13 and April 14. The memo also hinted at the possibility of relocating certain agencies outside of Washington, D.C., to more cost-effective regions of the country. President Trump mentioned the Education Department as a potential target for relocation, reiterating his belief that education should be handled at the state level.
A few exceptions to the layoffs were outlined, including positions in the Postal Service, military service, and critical areas like national security and public safety. The implementation of these cuts will fall to agency leaders, who are also directed to collaborate with Musk’s team, known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Later in the day, President Trump signed an executive order empowering DOGE to scrutinize and withhold payments from federal agencies. This order also froze the use of government credit cards—except for disaster relief and critical services—signaling an additional layer of scrutiny on federal spending. The freeze, lasting 30 days, may test the limits of executive authority but aims to maximize cost-cutting efforts.
These moves mark a major push by the Trump administration to downsize the federal government and reduce what it perceives as inefficiency, even as public opinion on these efforts remains divided.
