A recent development in the federal government has left hundreds of thousands of employees at risk due to plans by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. The plan, aimed at “modernizing federal technology and software,” has raised concerns over the potential devastating impact on financial stability for older and Black workers.
Federal workforce data reveals that these groups are disproportionately represented in the federal government, with 42% of employees aged 50 or older and nearly 19% identifying as Black. Furthermore, analysis suggests that the groups most impacted by job cuts will be those from lower administrative positions, typically comprised of people of color who occupy a significant percentage of such roles.
Ageism and racial biases are already prevalent in the workforce, with 64% of workers aged 50-plus reporting age discrimination in the workplace. Black older workers face an even higher risk, with 75% experiencing age-related bias.
Despite efforts to mitigate the impact, there are concerns that safety nets for displaced employees are inadequate. Many federal workers will struggle to find reemployment opportunities, particularly those who are not yet eligible for social security or can access their retirement savings without penalty.
The American Federation of Government Employees has warned that purging dedicated career civil servants will have far-reaching consequences for the functioning of the federal government. The Trump administration’s goal appears to be turning the federal government into a toxic environment where workers cannot stay even if they want to.
As the Department of Government Efficiency pushes forward with its plans, it remains unclear whether future data on the most impacted demographics will be reported due to the administration’s executive order for Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/sheilacallaham/2025/02/09/elon-musks-federal-job-cuts-threaten-older-and-black-workforce-most