Doge today
A Comprehensive Look at DOGE’s Firings and Layoffs in the First Month of Trump’s Administration
In the first month of President Donald Trump’s administration, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has made headlines by implementing widespread layoffs and firings of federal government employees. This initiative has seen thousands of workers, both new and career employees, shown the door, as the White House directs agencies to plan for “large-scale reductions in force” and freezes trillions of dollars in federal grant funds.
Overview of Layoffs and Firings
While no official figure for total firings or layoffs exists, the Associated Press has compiled information on how various federal agencies are being affected based on reports and statements from lawmakers and employee unions. Here’s a closer look at the specifics:
1. Deferred Resignation Proposal
The White House proposed a “deferred resignation” plan, offering financial incentives like paid leave to nearly all federal employees who chose to leave by February 6. However, a federal judge blocked this plan pending further arguments, leading to approximately 75,000 employees accepting the offer before the deadline.
2. Probationary Employee Layoffs
The administration has also targeted probationary employees—those with less than a year on the job—ordering agencies to lay off nearly all such workers. As of March 2024, data indicates around 220,000 federal employees fall into this category.
3. Department-Specific Cuts
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Over 1,000 employees with less than two years of service were dismissed, including critical researchers working on essential health issues.
- Education Department: At least 39 employees, including special education specialists, were terminated amid nearly $900 million in budget cuts.
- Energy Department: Initial layoffs affected hundreds of employees in nuclear weapons programs but were largely rescinded hours later.
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): More than 5,000 probationary employees faced cuts, including nearly 1,300 from the CDC.
- Department of Homeland Security: Over 130 employees from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency were laid off, impacting election security efforts.
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The IRS plans to lay off thousands of probationary workers during the tax season, though specifics remain unclear.
- National Park Service: Approximately 1,000 newly hired employees were terminated, with seasonal jobs being reinstated after public outcry.
4. Impact on Federal Grants and Loans
The administration announced a pause on federal grants and loans, affecting trillions of dollars allocated for health care, education, and other initiatives. Critics argue this freeze is illegal, as Congress had previously authorized the funding.
5. Inspector General Firings
In a controversial move, Trump has fired at least 17 independent inspectors general responsible for conducting audits and preventing fraud, raising concerns about accountability within the government.
6. Justice Department Changes
More than a dozen employees involved in prosecuting Trump have been fired, defying the traditional norm of career prosecutors remaining across administrations.
As the Trump administration continues to implement its agenda through DOGE, the impact of these layoffs and firings resonates beyond the national capital. With significant changes in federal employment affecting various departments and programs, the long-term consequences for government efficiency and employee morale remain to be seen.
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