Massive Federal Layoffs: 10,000 Workers Fired Amid Trump-Musk Crackdown
United States (The Uttam Hindu): In a major move to downsize the federal workforce, more than 9,500 employees across various U.S. government agencies were fired on Friday. This action is part of President **Donald Trump** and his advisor **Elon Musk’s** initiative to radically reduce bureaucracy.
The layoffs affected employees in key departments, including the **Interior, Energy, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services.** Many of those terminated were **probationary staffers** in their first year of service, meaning they had limited employment protections. Some agencies have been significantly impacted, with the **Consumer Financial Protection Bureau** being effectively shut down, affecting both permanent and contract workers.
Meanwhile, the **Internal Revenue Service (IRS)** is preparing to **lay off thousands more workers** next week, potentially affecting tax collection as the April 15 filing deadline approaches.
The Trump administration stated that these layoffs are necessary to tackle **the $36 trillion national debt** and last year’s **$1.8 trillion budget deficit.** The administration had already offered **buyouts to 75,000 federal workers,** who voluntarily left their jobs, accounting for nearly **3% of the 2.3 million civilian federal workforce.**
However, the mass terminations have sparked controversy. **Congressional Democrats** argue that the president is **overstepping the legislature’s constitutional authority** on government spending. Meanwhile, many **Republican lawmakers** have backed the initiative.
Legal challenges have also surfaced, with some **federal judges temporarily halting certain layoffs.** Critics have also raised concerns over **Musk’s involvement**, particularly in agencies like the **Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)** and the **Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB),** citing potential conflicts of interest.
Despite opposition, the Trump administration remains firm in its stance, stating that these drastic measures are essential for **government reform and efficiency.**
