President Donald Trump and adviser Elon Musk intensified their campaign to shrink the U.S. government, firing over 9,500 federal workers across multiple agencies. The layoffs primarily targeted probationary employees, while 75,000 others accepted buyouts.
Trump argues that bureaucracy is bloated, citing $36 trillion in debt. While Republicans back the cuts, Democrats warn of executive overreach. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has driven deep reductions, slashing positions at the CDC, NIH, IRS, and national parks.
The IRS faces mass layoffs just before tax season, while wildfire relief programs are under strain. Some job cuts, including nuclear security positions, were partially reversed due to security concerns. Federal judges have blocked parts of the plan, including firings at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended DOGE as a financial audit. Critics, however, say Musk’s rapid cuts prioritize ideology over cost-saving. Fired employees, like veteran Nick Gioia, feel abandoned, while unions pursue legal action.
Meanwhile, a court temporarily restricted DOGE from accessing Treasury Department systems, highlighting growing legal and political pushback.
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