The Trump administration has initiated mass layoffs across federal agencies, with over 4,000 workers receiving “reduction-in-force” notices on Friday. Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought confirmed the actions via X, stating the cuts span seven departments.
The court filing, responding to an emergency motion by unions, revealed that agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Homeland Security (DHS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Education, and HUD are among those affected. HHS cited “non-essential” employees as the target, linking the cuts to the government shutdown. The department emphasized its focus on eliminating “wasteful and duplicative entities,” aligning with the administration’s stated priorities.
The Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) faced specific scrutiny, with a DHS spokesperson criticizing its prior emphasis on “censorship, branding, and electioneering.” EPA officials indicated potential future layoffs, while the Department of Education reported 466 employees let go. HUD and Treasury also confirmed reductions, though specifics remained unclear.
The DOJ filing noted 1,446 employees laid off on Friday, with contingency plans suggesting broader impacts. The administration framed the moves as necessary to “get back on mission,” while unions and critics condemned the actions as politically motivated.