US Government Downsizing: Trump and Musk cut thousands of Federal jobs

In a bold move to reduce government spending, President Donald Trump, with the support of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has overseen the termination of more than 9,500 federal employees across various departments, according to a Reuters report.

The layoffs, aimed at streamlining operations and cutting costs, have affected agencies such as the Department of the Interior, Energy, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services. Many of those dismissed were probationary employees within their first year of service, who have fewer job protections.

A Sweeping Workforce Reduction

These terminations come in addition to approximately 75,000 federal workers who voluntarily accepted buyout offers as part of the administration’s broader downsizing efforts. The total reduction now accounts for nearly 3% of the federal workforce.

The administration justifies these measures as necessary to address the national debt, which stands at $36 trillion, and last year’s $1.8 trillion budget deficit. While Republican lawmakers largely support the initiative, concerns have arisen even within Trump’s team about the rapid pace of the restructuring. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has reportedly voiced frustration over what she sees as a lack of coordination in the layoffs.

Impact on Key Agencies

The job cuts have significantly impacted critical government functions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have each dismissed nearly half of their probationary employees.

The US Forest Service has cut 3,400 jobs, and the National Park Service has eliminated 1,000 positions. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is also expected to lay off thousands next week, potentially disrupting tax collection efforts ahead of the April 15 filing deadline.

Additionally, budget cuts have halted seasonal firefighter hiring and paused wildfire prevention programs, raising concerns about disaster preparedness—especially in the wake of recent wildfires in Los Angeles.

Musk’s Expanding Role in Government Restructuring

Elon Musk’s deep involvement in federal workforce reductions has sparked debate, with critics arguing that his influence extends beyond financial efficiency into ideological territory. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has pushed for an aggressive audit-driven approach to spending cuts.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended Musk’s role, stating that his team is identifying inefficiencies and improving governance. Speaking on Fox Business Network, Bessent likened the initiative to a financial audit, asserting that it will ultimately benefit taxpayers.

Despite assurances from the administration, the scale and speed of the layoffs continue to fuel controversy, with Democrats accusing Trump of bypassing congressional oversight in his bid to reshape the federal government.