Trump admin orders agencies to lay off probationary workers in latest push to shrink government

The Trump administration has taken a significant step toward reshaping the federal workforce by instructing agencies to lay off most probationary workers who have not yet secured civil service protection. This move, reported by the Associated Press, could potentially affect hundreds of thousands of employees across the federal government. Probationary workers, who typically have been on the job for less than a year, are considered to be in the final stages of the hiring process. According to an individual familiar with the matter, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued this directive, which aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to restructure and streamline the federal government. In a statement, an OPM spokesperson emphasized that the probationary period is not a guarantee of permanent employment but rather an extension of the hiring process. Agencies, the spokesperson explained, are taking this action independently in response to the recent hiring freeze and to support President Trump’s goal of creating a more efficient and effective government.

The OPM itself is not immune to these changes. On Thursday, during a group call, dozens of probationary workers at the agency were informed of their termination and instructed to leave the building within 30 minutes. This swift action underscores the administration’s commitment to reducing the federal workforce. Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the dismissal of more than 1,000 employees as part of the same effort. These mass layoffs are part of a larger initiative by the Trump administration, aided by Elon Musk, who was tapped to lead the effort to eliminate government waste, fraud, and abuse. A recent executive order signed by Trump directs agency heads to prepare for large-scale reductions in force (RIFs) and to separate temporary employees and reemployed annuitants from federal service. The order also targets areas that are likely to be subject to these reductions.

The layoffs have already begun, with probationary workers at various agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, the Energy Department, and the OPM, being let go on Thursday. The Wall Street Journal reported that these dismissals were confirmed by federal worker union staff and individuals familiar with the matter. Earlier in the week, employees at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Education Department were also affected. According to the Associated Press, at least 39 workers at the Department of Education were dismissed on Wednesday. These actions appear to be part of a coordinated effort to reduce the federal workforce, with agencies across the government taking steps to comply with the administration’s directives.

The VA, which has more than 43,000 probationary employees, has been particularly affected by these changes. However, the majority of these employees are exempt from personnel actions due to their roles in mission-critical positions or because they are covered under collective bargaining agreements. The VA has framed its decision to dismiss over 1,000 workers as a strategic move to save more than $98 million annually, which will be reallocated to healthcare, benefits, and services for veterans. VA Secretary Doug Collins emphasized that the decision, though difficult, was necessary to better serve the department’s core mission of providing care and benefits to veterans, their families, and caregivers. Collins also assured that these layoffs would not negatively impact VA healthcare, benefits, or services for beneficiaries, and he noted that additional measures have been put in place to ensure continuity in these areas.

The dismissals are effective immediately, with employees being notified of their termination. In some cases, representatives within each chain of command have been assigned to handle exemptions and address concerns. The VA has also stated that in the coming weeks and months, it will announce plans to use the saved resources to enhance support for veterans and their families. While the administration has framed these layoffs as a necessary step toward a more efficient and effective government, the move has been met with criticism from lawmakers and federal worker unions. Some have raised concerns about the impact on worker morale and the potential disruption to critical government services.

The Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the federal workforce have been controversial, with opponents arguing that such large-scale reductions could undermine the government’s ability to serve the public effectively. Lawmakers from states with high concentrations of federal workers have also warned against the administration’s buyout offers and layoffs, expressing concerns about the long-term consequences for both employees and the communities they serve. Despite these criticisms, the administration remains committed to its vision of a leaner, more streamlined federal government, and it appears determined to press ahead with its plans to reduce the workforce and eliminate what it sees as inefficiencies. As the situation continues to unfold, the impact on federal workers and the broader public will likely remain a topic of intense debate.