Trump Plans Major Staff Cuts Across Key Federal Agencies, Sparking Massive Reductions in Workforce
A memo circulating just last week outlines significant upcoming staff reductions across several federal agencies, as part of a broader initiative to shrink government payrolls. According to reports from the Washington Post, President Trump has directed agency leaders to draft their own plans for downsizing, with widespread layoffs expected to begin as soon as next month.
Among the agencies hit hardest by these cuts are the Small Business Administration, which could face a staggering 43% reduction, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), set for a 50% cut in its workforce. The Education Department, under the leadership of Under Secretary Linda McMahon, will also be slashing its staff by half, a move anticipated to save up to $6 billion.
The Justice Department is not exempt, with an 8% workforce reduction planned to yield $1.9 billion in savings. The National Science Foundation, a bipartisan favorite for research funding, will see a 28% decrease in its budget, while the Commerce Department is set to lose 30% of its personnel. The Treasury Department, which includes the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is also facing a significant 30% reduction.
As these reductions loom, the impact on federal operations and services remains to be seen, but the scale of the cuts signals a dramatic shift in government priorities.