Federal agencies have been directed to hire only one employee to replace every four terminated employees. This is the latest order from U.S. President Donald Trump, who, in consultation with Elon Musk—head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—is working to reduce the workforce of the U.S. government.
Last month, the Trump administration offered full-time federal employees the option of receiving their salary until September if they chose to resign immediately. This “Deferred Resignation Program” allowed employees to earn a salary while their work was reduced and their roles gradually eliminated. The initiative was expected to save billions of dollars, with at least five percent of the federal workforce anticipated to accept the offer.
The deadline for employees to make their decision was February 6, 2025. Reports indicated that around 65,000 federal employees had embraced the program, prompting the administration to extend the deadline to encourage more participation.
However, a Boston judge has blocked this buyout plan by issuing a restraining order. Additionally, Trump’s effort to place employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on paid leave has been paused by the courts.
Trump also signed an executive order placing all federal employees working in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles on paid leave. Despite these widespread layoffs, employees who make critical contributions to national security, law enforcement, and immigration management are expected to be spared.
