US President Donald Trump has launched a sweeping effort to cut back the federal bureaucracy, firing over 9,500 workers who handle various government functions, including managing federal lands and caring for military veterans. The move is part of Trump’s efforts to reduce waste and fraud in the government.
The firings have largely targeted probationary employees in their first year on the job, with few employment protections. Trump claims the government is too bloated and that cutting costs will help reduce the national debt, which stands at $36 trillion.
However, critics argue that the move is driven by ideology rather than cost-cutting measures, and that it encroaches on congressional authority over federal spending. Congressional Democrats have expressed concerns about the administration’s approach to reform.
The White House has also attempted to gut civil-service protections for career employees, frozen most US foreign aid, and shuttered some government agencies. The move has sparked growing frustration among Trump’s aides, who argue that there is a lack of coordination.
Some of the affected agencies include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the US Forest Service. The Internal Revenue Service is also preparing to fire thousands of workers next week, which could impact Americans’ tax filing deadline.
Critics have questioned the administration’s approach, with some calling it a “blunt force” effort driven by billionaire Elon Musk, who has major contracts with the federal government through his SpaceX business. Unions representing federal workers have sued to block the buyout plan.
The move is part of a broader effort to reduce government oversight and regulations, which could have significant implications for various industries and sectors. As the process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the administration’s goals will be achieved, or if the effort will ultimately prove counterproductive.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/thousands-fired-trump-musk-take-ax-us-government-offices-2025-02-14