The United States government has commenced laying off probationary employees and has announced further reductions in administrative positions. President Donald Trump has instructed federal agencies to terminate nearly all probationary workers, typically those employed for less than a year, a move that could directly impact hundreds of thousands of individuals.
A source, speaking under the condition of anonymity, disclosed to Local 10 that this directive comes from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which functions as the government's HR department. Even dozens of its own employees have been let go.
Initially, OPM had informed agencies that probationary employees would be dismissed if they failed to meet high standards. However, the directive was later broadened. According to reports, this is anticipated to be the first step in a series of widespread layoffs, following Trump's executive order instructing agency leaders to plan for "large-scale staffing reductions."
So far, the layoffs have impacted the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Department of Education, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The civilian federal workforce in the United States, excluding military and postal workers, includes approximately 2.4 million people.
Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, stated that the administration "abused" the probationary status of federal workers "to conduct a politically motivated wave of mass layoffs, targeting employees not based on their performance, but because they were hired before Trump took office."
Experts argue that this is a mistake, as it affects younger workers, who presumably have better skills, at a time when retirements among baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) are increasing.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), asserted that it is necessary to eliminate "entire agencies." The DOGE, established to significantly reduce bureaucracy and government spending, is not targeting only probationary workers. This week, it implemented a $900 million cut at the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the main research body of the U.S. Department of Education.
According to the Associated Press, the decision was based on an audit that deemed much of the spending as "unnecessary," prompting a wave of criticism from experts and lawmakers who warn that it could weaken the monitoring and improvement of the national education system.
Impact of Layoffs on Federal Workforce
Why is the Trump administration laying off probationary workers?
The Trump administration is laying off probationary workers as part of a directive to reduce the federal workforce and implement large-scale staffing reductions across various agencies.
Which federal agencies have been affected by these layoffs?
The layoffs have affected agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Department of Education, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
What is the role of the Department of Government Efficiency?
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is tasked with reducing bureaucracy and government spending. It has implemented significant budget cuts, including a $900 million reduction at the Institute of Education Sciences.
How have experts and lawmakers reacted to the budget cuts at the Institute of Education Sciences?
Experts and lawmakers have criticized the cuts, warning that they could undermine the monitoring and improvement of the national education system.