Trump Administration Starts Laying Off Federal Workers – What It Means

The Trump administration has started laying off federal workers, mainly those still in their probation period. This move is part of a bigger plan to reduce the size of the government and cut costs.

The layoffs are affecting probationary employees—workers who have not yet gained full job protections. Some government agencies, like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Department of Education, have already started letting people go. In some cases, workers only found out they were fired when they lost access to their work computers.

President Trump signed an executive order to review and possibly eliminate entire federal agencies. The order also limits hiring by allowing only one new worker for every four who leave, except in important areas like law enforcement and national security.

The administration is also offering buyouts—where employees can leave their jobs and still get paid until October. About 75,000 workers have accepted the deal. However, a court has put the program on hold, creating uncertainty about whether payments will continue.

Supporters of these cuts say it will make the government smaller and more efficient. Critics, including unions, argue that it will weaken public services and hurt employees who have just started their jobs.