White House Memo Sets Stage for Mass Federal Layoffs Under Trump/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration has issued a memo requiring federal agencies to submit layoff plans by March 13, aiming for a large-scale reduction in the federal workforce. The move targets career civil service employees and aligns with Trump’s goal of downsizing government. Billionaire adviser Elon Musk’s DOGE department is spearheading the effort amid growing worker unrest.
Federal Workforce Cuts Quick Looks
- Agencies must submit layoff plans by March 13 under Trump’s directive.
- Reduction in Force (RIF) would eliminate positions, not just lay off workers.
- Memo calls the government “costly, inefficient, and deeply in debt.”
- DOGE, led by Elon Musk, plays a key role in overseeing workforce cuts.
- Thousands of probationary employees have already been terminated.
- Career civil service workers with job protections are now targeted.
- General Services Administration (GSA) has already started the RIF process.
- Critics warn of disruptions to federal services and employee morale.
White House Memo Sets Stage for Mass Federal Layoffs Under Trump
Deep Look
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has taken a major step toward downsizing the federal workforce, issuing a memo that directs agencies to submit employee reduction plans by March 13. The plan, known as a Reduction in Force (RIF), could lead to widespread layoffs and eliminate thousands of government positions.
The memo, authored by Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), claims the U.S. government is “costly, inefficient, and deeply in debt,” emphasizing the need for cuts.
“The federal government is not producing results for the American public,” Vought stated.
Trump and Musk Driving Workforce Cuts
President Donald Trump, who has long promised to shrink government, signed an executive order earlier this month alongside billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“Agency leaders shall promptly undertake preparations to initiate large-scale reductions in force,” the order reads.
The move has sparked concern among federal workers, especially after Musk’s demand that employees justify their jobs or risk termination. While the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) later said this was voluntary, many employees fear for their positions.
Which Agencies Are Affected?
The General Services Administration (GSA), responsible for federal buildings and services, has already begun its RIF process. In a letter to staff, the GSA pledged to make departures “fair and dignified.”
“We know these are challenging times,” a GSA spokesperson said. “Our priority is transparency and fairness.”
Other agencies are expected to follow suit, with DOGE overseeing compliance.
Cabinet Meeting Highlights DOGE’s Influence
Trump will discuss the layoff plans at his first Cabinet meeting of his second term, where Elon Musk is expected to play a key advisory role.
“All Cabinet secretaries take the advice and direction of DOGE,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated.
Employee Concerns and Political Reactions
Federal unions and advocacy groups have condemned the plans, warning of reduced government services and a weakened civil service. Critics argue that essential functions—such as public health, infrastructure, and defense logistics—could be severely disrupted.
On Capitol Hill, Democrats have voiced strong opposition, while Republicans largely support the cuts as a way to curb government spending.
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