Mass Firings at US Government Agencies as Trump and Musk Accelerate Purge
WASHINGTON: Mass firings at multiple US government agencies have begun as President Donald Trump and Elon Musk accelerate their purge of America’s federal bureaucracy, union sources and employees familiar with the layoffs told Reuters on Thursday.
Termination of Probationary Staff
Termination emails have been sent in the past 48 hours to scores of government workers, mostly recently hired employees still on probation, at the department of education, the small business administration, the consumer financial protection bureau, and the general services administration, which manages many federal buildings. All probationary staff at the office of personnel management, the human resources arm for the US government, were fired in a group call on Thursday and told to leave the agency’s headquarters in Washington by 3pm ET (2000 GMT), two sources told Reuters.
OPM’s Role in Layoffs
OPM officials also met with other government agencies on Thursday and advised them to lay off their probationary employees, with some exceptions, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Trump and Musk’s Overhaul of Government
Trump and Tesla CEO Musk’s overhaul of the federal government appeared to be widening as Musk aides arrived for the first time at the federal tax-collecting agency, the Internal Revenue Service, and US embassies were told to prepare for staff cuts.
Impact on Employees
It was not immediately clear on Thursday how many domestic federal workers stood to lose their jobs in the first wave of layoffs. But the move fulfills Trump’s vow to reduce the size of the federal government and root out the "deep state," a reference to bureaucrats he views as not sufficiently loyal to him.
Letters to Terminated Employees
Letters sent to at least 45 probationers at the SBA stated, "The agency finds that you are not fit for continued employment because your ability, knowledge and skills do not fit the current needs, and your performance has not been adequate to justify further employment with the agency." Letters to at least 160 recent hires at the department of education told them that their continued employment "would not be in the public interest."
Employee Reactions
One GSA employee, who said he had one month left until his probation period ended and had been receiving excellent performance reviews, was told this week he will be fired on Friday. "Up until two weeks ago, this was an absolute dream job. Now it’s become an absolute nightmare because of what is going on. I have small children and a mortgage to pay," the worker told Reuters.
Cost-Cutting Measures
Musk’s cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) did not immediately respond to a request for comment for this story, but a spokesperson for OPM said the firings were in line with new government policy. "The Trump administration is encouraging agencies to use the probationary period as it was intended: as a continuation of the job application process, not an entitlement for permanent employment," the spokesperson said.
Massive Downsizing
Trump has tasked the South African-born Musk and his team at DOGE, a temporary government agency, to undertake a massive downsizing of the 2.3 million-strong civilian federal workforce. Musk, the world’s richest person, has sent DOGE members into at least 16 government agencies, where they have gained access to computer systems with sensitive personnel and financial information, and sent workers home.
Conclusion
The mass firings at US government agencies are a sign of the Trump administration’s commitment to reducing the size of the federal government and rooting out what it perceives as inefficiencies. While some employees may be concerned about the future of their jobs, the administration is pushing forward with its plans to downsize the government and make it more efficient.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the mass firings at US government agencies?
The mass firings are part of the Trump administration’s effort to reduce the size of the federal government and root out what it perceives as inefficiencies.
How many employees are expected to lose their jobs in the first wave of layoffs?
It is not immediately clear how many domestic federal workers will lose their jobs in the first wave of layoffs.
What is the reason for the terminations?
The terminations are due to a lack of fit for continued employment, with letters stating that the agency finds that the employee’s ability, knowledge, and skills do not fit the current needs.
What is the role of Elon Musk in the government overhaul?
Musk, the world’s richest person, is leading a temporary government agency, DOGE, which is responsible for undertaking a massive downsizing of the 2.3 million-strong civilian federal workforce.