(TheProudRepublic.com) – In a move bound to ignite fierce debate, President Trump has initiated an expansive plan to downsize the federal workforce, declaring that “we have a lot of people that aren’t doing their job.”
See the tweet below!
Within weeks, federal agencies must prepare for mass layoffs, seeking to ruthlessly trim what many see as bloated bureaucracies.
The stakes are high, and the consequences for public services could ripple nationwide.
The Office of Personnel Management, along with the Office of Management and Budget, has directed federal agencies to submit workforce reduction plans by March 13.
This push comes after a February 11 executive order from President Trump, aiming to overhaul agency structures without diving into congressional legislation.
Trump argues that the government is not only inefficient but also overgrown, with too many employees not fulfilling essential duties.
As part of the initiative, Trump is working alongside tech mogul Elon Musk to craft significant federal workforce reductions.
Together, they signed an executive order focusing on cost-saving measures by consolidating programs and reducing positions.
Though hailed by supporters as an overdue rebalancing of government size, critics argue this will inevitably strain public services, The Hill reports.
Resistance is mounting from all sides, with labor unions preparing for stiff opposition.
They are warned that cuts could jeopardize essential services, with 80% of federal workers stationed outside of Washington facing dramatic changes.
Although there are no fixed layoff targets yet, Trump has suggested cutting 65% of the staff at the Environmental Protection Agency alone.
“We’re cutting down the size of government. We have to. We’re bloated. We’re sloppy. We have a lot of people that aren’t doing their job,” Trump said, cited by AP News.
Departments unaffected by these cuts include those linked to law enforcement, national security, military, and the USPS.
Still, many departments have already begun executing their downsizing plans.
Agencies must submit their Phase 2 plans by April 14, outlining which employees face potential layoffs or relocations.
OPM instructs agencies to turn over plans for mass government layoffs – The Hill https://t.co/9Ayr0SXXNl
— AHRC-USA NGO in Consultative Status with ECOSOC-UN (@AHRCUSA) February 27, 2025
Russell Vought, former director of the Office of Management and Budget, emphasized the necessity of confrontation to revitalize government operations.
However, concerns arise about the difficulty of rebuilding critical capacities once roles are eliminated.
Union leaders also caution that shifting work to private contractors could lead to increased taxpayer costs without guaranteeing enhanced service.
“Laying off potentially hundreds of thousands of federal workers will mean fewer services at higher costs for the American taxpayer. Longer waits at VA hospitals, fewer inspectors ensuring the safety of 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 passports, and the list goes on,” declared The American Federation of Government Employees, cited by KXAN.
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