In a sweeping move to restructure the federal government, over 200,000 federal employees have been laid off. It has been happening across more than a dozen agencies since President Donald Trump assumed office in 2025. The initiative is led by the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to streamline operations and reduce spending.
What Is DOGE
DOGE was created to fulfill one of Trump’s key campaign promises. The promise is to eliminate “wasteful bureaucracy.” Headed by Elon Musk, the department has aggressively targeted agencies considered inefficient or unnecessary. Its mandate includes staff reductions, budget cuts, and the consolidation of overlapping functions.
Agencies Most Affected
According to internal reports and whistleblower accounts, the following agencies have seen the largest cuts:
Department of Education
- Over 2,000 employees terminated
- Focused on dismantling Federal Student Aid and administrative roles
Department of Homeland Security
- 400+ positions eliminated
- FEMA lost over 200 staffers
- CISA was reduced by 130 employees
Department of Energy
- 2,000+ roles cut, including National Nuclear Security Administration
Science & Technology
- Reductions in DHS Science and Technology division
Coast Guard
- DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) staff reassigned to border security
Political and Economic Context
The layoffs are part of a broader effort to fulfill Trump’s promise to “close the con job.” Musk has criticized spending on programs like FEMA’s housing for undocumented immigrants. He also calls them “luxury hotels.” Critics argue the cuts are arbitrary and risk undermining national security and public services.
Buyouts vs. Firings: What’s the Difference?
In addition to firings, 75,000 federal workers have accepted voluntary buyouts. These packages are offered to employees nearing retirement or those willing to exit without contest. Unlike firings, buyouts are often seen as a softer exit strategy. Even though they still contribute to workforce reduction.
Long-Term Implications for Federal Services
Experts warn that the cuts could lead to:
- Slower response times in disaster relief (FEMA)
- Reduced cybersecurity oversight (CISA)
- Disruption in student loan processing (Dept. of Education)
- Delays in energy infrastructure projects (Dept. of Energy)
Krzan Matta, a terminated employee from the Energy Department, described the process as “haphazard” and lacking strategic foresight.
Conclusion
The DOGE-led reestablishment marks one of the most peculiar federal workforce reductions in U.S. history. While proponents argue it will lead to leaner governance, many have fear about the long-term damage to essential services. Agencies are expected to release revised operational plans by Q4 2025.
