Trump-Musk bureaucracy overhaul: Nearly 10,000 federal workers laid off in mass government restructuring

Major workforce cuts under Trump and Musk’s efficiency drive

More than 9,500 federal employees handling veteran care, federal lands, agriculture, energy, and health services were fired on Friday as part of US President Donald Trump’s radical bureaucracy overhaul, led by advisor Elon Musk.

This large-scale reduction is part of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, which aims to cut government spending, eliminate waste, and streamline operations.

According to a news report, Trump has entrusted Musk with executing the aggressive downsizing, focusing on eliminating redundant roles and restructuring government agencies.

Agencies affected and additional layoffs expected

• The Departments of Interior, Energy, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services were among the hardest hit.
• Many of the terminated employees were probationary staffers, who have limited employment protections.
• Some agencies have effectively been shut down, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is also preparing to lay off thousands of employees next week, potentially impacting tax collection efforts ahead of the April 15 filing deadline.

Trump and Musk offer buyout option for federal employees

The layoffs come in addition to 75,000 workers who accepted a voluntary buyout package proposed by Trump and Musk, accounting for about 3% of the 2.3 million civilian federal workforce.

Trump has justified the drastic cuts, citing the $36 trillion national debt and a $1.8 trillion deficit in the previous year. The President emphasized the need to eliminate government inefficiencies to reduce fraud and waste.

However, Congressional Democrats have criticized the move, arguing that Trump is bypassing legislative authority over government spending. While Republicans in Congress largely support the initiative, concerns have been raised over Elon Musk’s influence in Trump’s administration.

Musk’s expanding role in government efficiency reforms

Musk, who co-chairs DOGE, has played a pivotal role in implementing drastic spending cuts. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended Musk’s role, comparing DOGE’s actions to a financial audit.

“These are serious people going from agency to agency, conducting audits, and identifying best practices,” Bessent said.

However, critics argue that Musk’s approach is driven more by ideology than cost-saving measures. The DOGE team, composed largely of young engineers with little government experience, has been rapidly cutting programs with little consultation.

Federal workers express shock and frustration

Thousands of fired workers expressed shock and disappointment, questioning the sudden and aggressive nature of the layoffs.

Nick Gioia, a former Army veteran who worked for the Department of Defense for 17 years before recently joining the USDA’s Economic Research Service, was terminated this week.

“I’ve done a lot for my country, and now I feel betrayed. This isn’t about efficiency—it feels like a game,” Gioia stated.

Steve Lenkart, Executive Director of the National Federation of Federal Employees, which represents over 100,000 government workers, accused Musk and Trump of targeting agencies that regulate industries and finance.

“This is about getting the government out of the way of industry and the ultra-rich. No wonder Elon Musk is so enthusiastic about it,” Lenkart remarked.

Legal challenges and union backlash against DOGE layoffs

Trump and Musk’s efforts to reduce civil service protections, freeze foreign aid, and shut down agencies like USAID and CFPB have sparked legal challenges from unions and advocacy groups.

• Multiple lawsuits have been filed, including attempts to block the buyout plan.
• Three federal judges are reviewing whether DOGE officials should have access to Treasury Department payment systems, which could expose sensitive financial data.
• DOGE personnel have already been deployed to at least 16 government agencies, raising concerns over their access to personnel and financial information.

Despite legal hurdles, the Trump-Musk alliance continues to push forward with its radical restructuring of the federal government. With more cuts expected, the impact of DOGE’s mission to eliminate bureaucracy and reshape public administration remains a contentious issue in Washington.

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