In a significant move to reshape the federal workforce, the Trump administration has directed agencies to prepare for large-scale reductions in force (RIF), potentially affecting up to 700,000 employees. This directive, outlined in a memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), requires agencies to submit their layoff plans by March 13. The initiative focuses on eliminating non-essential functions while maintaining efficient delivery of services mandated by law.
This action follows a February 11 executive order that expanded the powers of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, to oversee and implement these workforce reductions. The administration’s goal is to diminish parts of the government perceived as obstacles to its agenda. Russ Vought, head of the OMB, emphasized the administration’s intent to “focus on the maximum elimination of functions that are not statutorily mandated.”
The planned layoffs could increase national unemployment by approximately 0.5%, raising concerns about the broader economic impact. Legal and political challenges are anticipated, as the process may violate collective bargaining agreements and existing civil service protections. Nick Bednar of Lawfare noted that such a massive RIF “would probably violate both collective-bargaining agreements and congressional policy mandates.”
Federal employees have expressed alarm and uncertainty regarding the directive. An Internal Revenue Service employee warned, “Americans are going to feel this very deeply. Services are going to be nonexistent.” Similarly, a Social Security Administration worker described the plan as “crazy and illogical, motivated by a blind, stupid hatred of the public sector as a whole.”
The administration has set an implementation deadline for these workforce reductions by September. As agencies develop their plans, the full impact on federal services and operations remains to be seen. However, the directive has already led to confusion and low morale among federal workers, with some expressing a determination to continue their work until forcibly removed.
This unprecedented move to significantly reduce the federal workforce underscores the administration’s commitment to restructuring government operations, despite the potential for widespread service disruptions and legal battles.