Analyzing the scale of Trump’s federal layoffs in his first 100 days
In the first 100 days of President Donald Trump's second term, over 121,000 federal employees across more than 30 agencies have been laid off, significantly impacting essential services such as education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety. This vast number excludes those on administrative leave or who accepted voluntary buyouts, leading to widespread concern about the government's ability to meet public needs. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Agency for International Development (USAID) have been notably affected, with the VA experiencing a 15% reduction in staff and USAID being closed entirely, which has impacted international aid programs. These layoffs have outpaced reductions in other US industries, including retail and technology, raising fears about future cuts to federal programs and their effects on families and the economy. The long-term consequences of these cuts are uncertain, but they are expected to be felt for years, affecting both the services provided and the individuals reliant on them.
President Trump's administration has laid off over 121,000 federal workers within the first 100 days of his second term, affecting more than 30 agencies. This number does not include those on administrative leave or who accepted voluntary buyouts.
Critical services such as education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety are at risk due to these layoffs, sparking widespread concern about the government's capacity to meet public needs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has faced the largest reduction, with 70,000 employees laid off, accounting for nearly 15% of its total staff. This department is crucial as it provides healthcare and other services to veterans and their families.
The Agency for International Development (USAID) has been completely shut down, affecting international aid programs related to starvation and trafficking, which various countries around the world depend on.
Federal layoffs have exceeded those in other industries, including retail and technology, in the first quarter of 2025, raising alarms about potential future cuts to federal programs and their impact on the economy.
The layoffs surged in February and decreased in March and April, but the abrupt nature of these cuts has created a ripple effect across the country.
The long-term effects of these workforce reductions are expected to be significant, affecting both the services provided by these agencies and the individuals who rely on them for support.