- The Trump administration told agencies to prepare for large-scale layoffs and restructuring. It wants departments to submit plans by March 13.
- President Donald Trump named examples of agencies that should prepare, including the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Education.
- The American Federation of Government Employees said mass layoffs will mean fewer services and higher costs for the American taxpayer.
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On the heels of spending cuts and jobs reductions by the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, the administration told all federal agencies to prepare for large-scale layoffs and restructuring. The move comes after President Donald Trump’s Feb. 11 executive order.
When do agencies need to submit cut lists?
The Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget memo directed agency heads to turn over plans by March 13.
The memo told the agencies to work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Who’s vulnerable to getting cut?
Agency leads must look for positions not typically designated as essential and be ready to close or consolidate field offices while maintaining efficient service delivery, the memo said. The White House said it will also eliminate outside consultants and contractors.
At the first cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 26, Trump specifically mentioned the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Education as two agencies that could see steep cuts.
What is the reaction from labor unions?
The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employee union, responded quickly.
“Laying off potentially hundreds of thousands of federal workers will mean fewer services at higher costs for the American taxpayer. Longer waits at the VA hospitals, fewer inspectors ensuring the safety or our meats and produce, less research into cures for debilitating and deadly diseases, more risks for air travelers, longer waits for Social Security enrollment, and the list goes on. “
American Federation of Government Employees
Which areas are exempt from this round of reductions?
The White House exempted law enforcement, national security, the U.S. military and the U.S. Postal Service from the wide-ranging cuts.
