In a significant shift that could reshape the federal government, the Trump administration has launched an ambitious initiative to streamline the federal workforce through widespread position eliminations. This move, announced through a detailed memo, marks an escalation from recent probationary employee terminations to a broader strategy targeting career civil servants.
Federal agencies face deadline for workforce reduction plans
The White House has set a March 13 deadline for federal agencies to submit their “reduction in force” (RIF) plans, which will detail how they intend to eliminate positions permanently. The directive comes from a joint memo issued by Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Charles Ezell, acting director of the Office of Personnel Management.
In the memo, Vought and Ezell stated, “The federal government is costly, inefficient, and deeply in debt. At the same time, it is not producing results for the American public.”
Implementation already underway
Some agencies have already begun implementing these changes. The General Services Administration has informed its employees about ongoing RIF procedures, promising to do “everything in our power to make your departure fair and dignified.”
This initiative follows an executive order signed by President Trump alongside Elon Musk, who serves as an advisor on government reform. The order explicitly directs agency leaders to “promptly undertake preparations to initiate large-scale reductions in force.”
New oversight structure
Musk oversees the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which plays a central role in this restructuring effort. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the department’s influence, noting that “all of the Cabinet secretaries take the advice and direction of DOGE.”
Recently, Musk stirred controversy by requesting employees to justify their positions or risk termination, though the Office of Personnel Management later clarified this request was voluntary.
This restructuring initiative follows earlier workforce changes, including the termination of thousands of probationary employees. The complete implementation of these plans could fundamentally alter how the federal government operates and delivers services to Americans.
