The Trump administration has directed federal agencies to prepare for additional large-scale layoffs as part of its aggressive drive to reduce government spending. A new memo—signed by White House budget director Russell Vought and acting OPM chief Charles Ezell—requires agencies to submit plans for significant staff reductions by March 13. This directive comes on the heels of Trump’s first cabinet meeting, where Department of Government Efficiency chief Elon Musk pledged deeper spending cuts.
Aggressive Cost-Cutting and Workforce Reductions
Since taking office, President Trump’s administration has implemented sweeping measures to shrink the federal workforce. So far, layoffs have primarily targeted probationary employees with less job security, but the latest orders signal a shift toward cutting more experienced civil servants. At the cabinet meeting, Trump announced that EPA chief Lee Zeldin is planning to reduce the agency’s workforce by up to 65% of its 15,000 employees. Additionally, an Interior Department source informed Reuters that agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs should anticipate workforce cuts ranging between 10% and 40%.
A Supportive Role for Elon Musk
In a notable display of support, President Trump invited billionaire Elon Musk to speak at the cabinet meeting. Dressed in a black “Make America Great Again” cap and a “tech support” t-shirt, Musk outlined his confidence in cutting the $6.7 trillion federal budget by $1 trillion within the year. The ambitious target, which is expected to trigger significant disruption to government programs, is part of a broader strategy to overhaul federal operations and reduce excessive spending.
With approximately 100,000 of the nation’s 2.3 million civilian federal workers already affected through firings and buyouts, this new directive marks another decisive step in the administration’s ongoing efforts to streamline government operations. Critics, however, warn that these extensive cuts could result in reduced services and long-term challenges for essential government functions.
