WASHINGTON (AP) — A shocking new directive from President Donald Trump’s administration is setting the stage for what could be the most dramatic federal workforce overhaul in modern history. A memo distributed to federal agencies orders them to prepare for large-scale layoffs, signaling a seismic shift in government operations.
The move is part of Trump’s aggressive push to slash what he calls an “overgrown and inefficient” federal bureaucracy. His administration has already terminated thousands of probationary employees, and now, career officials with civil service protection are next in line. Agencies must submit their plans by March 13, detailing how they will implement what’s known as a reduction in force (RIF)—not just cutting jobs but eliminating positions altogether.
“The federal government is costly, inefficient, and deeply in debt,” the memo states, signed by Russell Vought, director of the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, and Charles Ezell, acting director of the Office of Personnel Management. “At the same time, it is not producing results for the American public.”
Trump’s plan, which has the backing of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, takes direct aim at reshaping the federal workforce. Musk, who is now advising Trump on government reform, played a key role in shaping an executive order that mandates immediate preparations for large-scale layoffs. Some agencies, including the General Services Administration, have already begun executing these directives.
Federal workers were informed that reductions were in progress and that officials would do “everything in our power to make your departure fair and dignified.”
The timing of the memo coincides with Trump’s first Cabinet meeting of his second term, where Musk will reportedly be in attendance in his role overseeing the newly minted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that all Cabinet secretaries are expected to follow Musk’s directives.
“They’ll be providing updates on their efforts and detailing how they are implementing the president’s promises,” Leavitt told reporters.
Musk’s growing influence within the administration has already sent shockwaves through the federal workforce. His recent demand that employees justify their jobs—or face termination—caused widespread panic before officials later clarified that compliance was voluntary. Still, the message is clear: Trump’s administration is determined to reshape the federal government, and no job is safe.
