Trump Administration Cuts 332,900 Federal Civilian Jobs

Since returning to office in January 2025, Donald Trump has prioritized shrinking the federal workforce, resulting in a 13.6% decline in civilian employment. This reduction totals 332,900 jobs, with the most severe impacts seen at the US Agency for International Development, which lost 95% of its staff. Other significant cuts occurred at the Internal Revenue Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Department of Education.

These reductions were driven by the Department of Government Efficiency, which utilized buyouts and early retirement programs to lower staffing levels. While the administration aimed to reduce government capacity and spending, overall federal spending has continued to rise. Employment increased specifically within the Secret Service and immigration-enforcement agencies.

Critics argue the cuts lack a coherent vision and have diminished essential government functions. They link these staffing shortages to recent public failures, including measles outbreaks, contaminated lettuce, and flight cancellations caused by air-traffic-control issues.