Trump Administration Orders Federal Agencies to Prepare for Mass Layoffs, Citing Inefficiency and Bloated Bureaucracy

The Trump administration has directed federal agencies to prepare for significant workforce reductions, according to a memo issued by the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management on Wednesday. Agencies are required to submit reorganization plans by March 13 and April 14, with an implementation date set for September 30, 2025. The administration justifies these cuts by citing the federal government's high cost, inefficiency, and debt, arguing that taxpayer money is being misdirected. President Trump reiterated his commitment to reducing the size of the federal government during a Cabinet meeting, emphasizing the need to eliminate unnecessary programs. Elon Musk, acting as the de-facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), participated in the meeting, further underscoring the administration's focus on streamlining government operations. The White House has outlined several tools for agencies to use in their reduction plans, including continuing the hiring freeze, eliminating non-statutorily mandated functions, and renegotiating collective bargaining agreements. Certain categories of federal workers, such as military personnel, law enforcement, and those in national security positions, are exempt from these reductions.