Trump, Musk's federal layoffs: Nearly 10,000 workers fired
What's the story
In a major step to cut down on bureaucracy, President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk have kicked off a wave of layoffs affecting more than 9,500 federal workers. The dismissals mainly hit employees from the Departments of Interior, Energy, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services. Many of those impacted were probationary staff in their first year with little employment protections.
Buyout option
Layoffs part of larger workforce reduction strategy
These layoffs come on top of the 75,000 workers who had earlier accepted a buyout option offered by Trump and Musk. This voluntary exit accounts for about 3% of the entire 2.3 million civilian workforce. The White House has defended these cuts as a necessary step to tackle the federal government's staggering $36 trillion debt and last year's $1.8 trillion deficit.
DOGE audits
Musk's role in federal layoffs raises questions
Musk, who co-chairs the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has played a key role in conducting audits across several agencies. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent compared DOGE's work to a financial audit, saying they are "looking for best practices." However, the move has sparked controversy with lawsuits filed against Musk's team over access to sensitive data at several agencies.
Worker reactions
Federal workers express shock and betrayal
The layoffs have shocked many federal workers who expressed feeling betrayed. Nick Gioia, a veteran who served the Department of Defense for 17 years before joining the USDA's Economic Research Service, expressed his disappointment saying he felt "betrayed by my country." Steve Lenkart from the National Federation of Federal Employees Union hinted this initiative would lessen government regulation over industry and wealthy individuals.
Departmental impact
Layoffs impact various departments, lawsuits follow
Some DOE dismissals have been "partly rescinded" to keep essential nuclear security workers. 2,300 employees were laid off at the Interior Department, affecting public lands management and oil and gas leasing programs. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is gearing up to cut nearly 1,300 workers. The swift layoffs have caused coordination issues among some Trump aides and triggered lawsuits against Musk's team over access to sensitive data.