USDA Loses Over 24,000 Employees Under Trump Administration Cuts

The United States Department of Agriculture lost more than 24,000 employees between January and December 2025, representing a workforce reduction of nearly 27%. According to reports from the USDA's Office of Inspector General and the Office of Personnel Management, the attrition was driven by the Trump administration's efforts to downsize the federal government, specifically through the Department of Government Efficiency's deferred resignation program.

Initial data showed 20,306 employees left between January 12 and June 14, with approximately 75% participating in the financial incentive program. The Forest Service saw the highest volume of losses, while the Rural Development agency experienced a proportional loss of 36%. By the end of 2025, specific agencies like the National Agricultural Statistics Service saw reductions as high as 37%. Geographically, significant losses occurred in Kansas, Texas, and California.

Secretary Brooke Rollins and Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden are overseeing a reorganization expected to conclude by the end of 2026. This plan includes relocating half of the department's Washington, D.C.-based staff to five regional hubs. The USDA defended these measures as a way to become a farmer-first agency.

Critics, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, warned that the losses weaken the department's ability to support farmers and protect food supply chains from threats like avian flu. Farm advocates and university officials reported that the cuts have already delayed financial assistance, stalled research grants, and hindered conservation projects.