The District of Columbia region is bracing for another economic blow as thousands of federal workers face layoffs next week, following President Donald Trump’s plan to cut 154,000 jobs through buyouts and retirements. The move will leave many federal contractors without paychecks either.
For those who took the deferred resignation offer, job searching has become a dire struggle. Former State Department employee Brian Naranjo says he has thrown his résumé at over 50 positions since resigning in May, but has yet to find work. He notes that specialized jobs are scarce and many usual places in Washington don’t hire.
Others have canceled donations, date nights, or considered leaving the region altogether. Jennifer Malenab, who resigned from the Department of Homeland Security after 20 years, worries about finding a new job at 42 with a family to support.
The cuts hit the D.C. metro area hard, with approximately one in ten jobs belonging to federal employees. Residents rely heavily on tourism and universities for talent pools, which are now dwindling. Local nonprofits face challenges due to canceled government-funded grants and decreased donations from former federal workers who now require financial assistance.
Former federal worker Helen Robinson notes that losing her job has left her struggling financially and emotionally. Others, like Amanda Rose Parker, who worked with FEMA, are taking on multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet while pursuing new career opportunities.
Regional leaders have unveiled an online resource to help residents navigate the job search and access support services. However, many former federal workers face uncertainty about their future, health insurance, and overall well-being.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/09/28/trump-federal-job-cuts-dc-economy