In an effort to reduce government spending and increase employee efficiency Trump administration has started mass layoffs of federal employees.

Since January 20, when Trump took office around 9,500 government officials and employees have left their jobs. This move is part of a broader strategy to shrink federal expenses and improve productivity.

A Reuters report revealed that since Trump took office, approximately 10,000 government employees have lost their jobs. Key sectors affected include the Department of the Interior, Energy, Agriculture, Health, and Veterans Affairs, among others.

During his presidential campaign, Trump developed a close relationship with Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual. After assuming office Trump established a new government department focused on cutting expenses and increasing efficiency, appointing Musk as its head. Since U.S. Congress has not granted this office ministerial status, Musk serves as an advisor rather than a government minister.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that over 1,000 employees would receive termination notices in the coming week. Meanwhile, more than 70,000 employees have opted for buyout programs or “golden handshakes,” with 75,000 already forced to resign under this scheme since January 20.

Alongside job cuts, funding for multiple federal departments has been significantly reduced, pushing some agencies toward closure. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has already shut down, and more government offices face the risk of shutting down due to financial constraints.

Trump defended these measures, arguing that the federal government has grown excessively large, leading to widespread financial waste and corruption. He pointed out that last year, U.S. government debt reached $36 trillion, while the budget deficit was nearly $1.8 trillion. To reform the system administration had no choice but to reduce workforce and halt unnecessary expenditures.

While Republican lawmakers support this initiative, the Democratic Party strongly opposes it. Many affected employees have openly criticized move, with some calling it unfair and reckless.

Many government employees have spoken out against layoffs. Nikoya, a former U.S. military officer, served 17 years in the army before retiring and joining Economic Research Service under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, due to funding cuts, he has now lost his job.

“I spent the best years of my life serving this country. I never put my safety above the nation’s needs, but now I feel betrayed,” he said.

Gia resident of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, stated that thousands of employees were either fired or forced to resign. She emphasized that mass layoffs—whether in public or private sectors—are unethical and urged the government to act responsibly regarding people’s livelihoods.

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National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) reported that around 2.03 million people currently employed in U.S. government. However, estimates suggest that over 100,000 workers could lose their jobs by end of the year.