Trump to Sign Executive Order for Major Federal Staffing Cuts
In a bold move poised to reshape the federal landscape, President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Tuesday directing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to coordinate significant reductions in the federal workforce.
Details of the Executive Order
The forthcoming order is designed to instruct DOGE, along with federal agencies, to “significantly” downsize the federal government while enacting a hiring freeze. According to a White House fact sheet, agencies will only be permitted to hire one employee for every four that exit their positions.
Cutting the Federal Workforce
As part of the directive, federal agencies will be mandated to develop plans for large-scale workforce reduction and assess opportunities to merge or eliminate agency functions that are not legally mandated. This initiative underscores a broader goal of streamlining government operations.
Commentary from Key Figures
DOGE Chair Elon Musk, also the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, expressed confidence in the administration’s direction, stating in the Oval Office that the American electorate is calling for “major” government reform, which the Trump administration is prepared to deliver.
President Trump echoed this sentiment, reinforcing his commitment to tackling the “horrible stuff going on” in the government. He expressed hope that the judicial system would provide the necessary support to enable the administration to carry out its ambitious reform agenda.
“I hope that the court system is going to allow us to do what we have to do,” Trump stated, adding that he respects court rulings but is ready to appeal if necessary.
Building on Previous Initiatives
This executive order builds on previous directives issued by Trump after his inauguration, which included a federal hiring freeze. Furthermore, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management has suggested buyouts for over 2 million federal civilian employees, a program currently stalled due to legal challenges from labor organizations.
Implications for Federal Employment
The order aligns with DOGE’s “workforce optimization initiative,” allowing hiring only for “essential positions” as agencies brace for dramatic cuts. Notably, sectors related to law enforcement, national security, and immigration enforcement may escape the cuts.
The White House has projected a significant surge in employee resignations, particularly as the February 6 buyout offer deadline approaches. Officials predict an increase in deferred resignations as employees seek to navigate their options.
Concerns and Legal Challenges
So far, approximately 65,000 federal employees have opted for the buyout offer, but a federal judge has put the deadline on hold amid lawsuits by union groups, including the American Federation of Government Employees. U.S. District Judge George O’Toole has indefinitely extended a temporary restraining order, pausing the deadline while reviewing requests for a preliminary injunction.
In discussing the buyout initiatives, Trump pointed out the underutilization of federal office spaces, claiming, “We have too many people. We have office spaces occupied by 4% – nobody showing up to work because they were told not to.”
DOGE’s Broader Goals
The Department of Government Efficiency is also pursuing other cost-saving measures, including efforts to close down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This agency has faced scrutiny for alleged wasteful spending and poor accountability, including funding questionable projects like an Iraqi version of “Sesame Street.”
Trump has openly criticized USAID leadership, labeling it as managed by “a bunch of radical lunatics,” asserting a commitment to eliminating inefficiencies and aligning agency missions with the government’s overarching objectives.
Conclusion
The impending executive order sets the stage for a substantial transformation within the federal government, focused on efficiency and cost reduction. As the Trump administration moves forward with these changes, the impact on federal employees and the structure of government operations will be closely monitored and debated.
Fox News’ Brooke Singman, Emma Colton, and Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
