An internal memo from the Trump administration has outlined a significant plan to reduce government staffing across various federal agencies, including a proposed one-third cut to the Treasury Department’s workforce and a 50% reduction at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The memo, drafted recently, comes as the administration prepares for upcoming Reductions in Force (RIFs) that are expected to substantially decrease government payrolls. President Trump has directed agency heads to create their own downsizing plans, with layoffs anticipated to begin next month, according to the Washington Post.
Specific agencies facing substantial cuts include the Small Business Administration, which is set for a 43% reduction, and HUD, which will see a 50% cut. The Education Department, under Secretary Linda McMahon, has been instructed to reduce staffing by 50%, which is projected to save $6 billion. Additionally, an 8% reduction at the Justice Department is expected to yield $1.9 billion in savings. The National Science Foundation is slated for a 28% cut, while the Commerce Department faces a 30% reduction.
At the Treasury Department, which includes the Internal Revenue Service, cuts are expected to reach 30%.
Trump’s cabinet officials have praised the cost-cutting measures being implemented by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency during cabinet meetings and public events. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the entire cabinet supports the president’s vision, which is being executed in partnership with various agencies. However, she did not address concerns regarding emails sent to dismissed probationary employees, which indicated that their performance did not meet public interest standards. Some of these employees were involved in food inspections, a critical area amid ongoing public health concerns.
Harrison Fields, a spokesperson, confirmed the contents of the memo but emphasized that it is a pre-deliberative draft and does not reflect final plans for reductions. He stated that announcements regarding RIF plans would be made by cabinet secretaries at the appropriate time.
At the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced a restructuring that will cut 20,000 positions, reducing the workforce from 82,000 to 62,000, which is expected to save $1.8 billion. The plan includes cuts of 3,500 full-time positions at the Food and Drug Administration, 2,400 at the Centers for Disease Control, and 1,200 at the National Institutes of Health.
Musk discussed potential cost savings during an interview with Bret Baier on Fox News, stating that the goal is to reduce spending by eliminating waste, aiming for a 15% reduction. He acknowledged that the government is not efficient and that there is significant waste and fraud. Musk also mentioned that while mistakes have occurred, such as the firing and rehiring of nuclear safety workers, the administration is committed to correcting errors quickly and moving forward.
