WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government is preparing for a major restructuring as President Donald Trump orders federal agencies to eliminate jobs, consolidate programs, and streamline operations as part of a sweeping effort to reduce bureaucracy.
On Wednesday, senior administration officials issued a directive instructing agencies to submit plans for workforce reductions, a move that could result in thousands of layoffs and significant shifts in government operations.
Federal Downsizing Underway
Trump, speaking during his first Cabinet meeting of his second term, emphasized his administration’s commitment to cutting government waste.
“We have too many employees doing jobs that don’t need to be done,” Trump said. “We’re making government leaner, smarter, and more efficient.”
The changes will have nationwide impacts, as approximately 80% of federal employees work outside the Washington, D.C. area. Critical services, including food inspections, environmental monitoring, and patent processing, could be affected, depending on how reductions are handled.
Under the new directive, agencies must submit layoff and restructuring plans by March 13. Additional plans for management consolidation, efficiency improvements, and office relocations are due by April 14, with full implementation expected by September 30.
Resistance and Concerns
The initiative has already sparked opposition from labor unions, Democratic leaders, and government watchdog groups, who argue that cutting staff and eliminating positions could cripple essential public services.
“This is a radical effort to hollow out the government,” said Don Moynihan, a professor of public policy at the University of Michigan. “Once you lose this expertise, it’s incredibly difficult to rebuild.”
While no specific targets were outlined in the directive, Trump suggested that some agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), could see reductions as high as 65%.
Critics also raised concerns about the legal strategy behind the cuts. Kevin Owen, a federal employment attorney, compared the approach to tactics used during government shutdowns, arguing that the administration is prioritizing speed over careful planning.
“They’re going to make these cuts, get sued, and keep going,” Owen said. “Even if a court later rules against them, by then, the damage will have been done.”
Musk’s Role in Government Overhaul
Adding another layer to the administration’s restructuring efforts, tech billionaire Elon Musk has become a key figure in overseeing efficiency reforms. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has been tasked with identifying wasteful spending and eliminating unnecessary jobs.
During the Cabinet meeting, Musk, wearing a black ‘Make America Great Again’ hat, described the restructuring effort as essential for America’s financial stability.
“If we don’t take action now, the country will go bankrupt,” Musk said.
His involvement has already led to controversial changes within federal agencies. Recently, employees were asked to justify their positions or risk termination. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) later clarified that participation was voluntary, but additional workforce assessments are expected.
Musk defended the move as a necessary “pulse check” on government efficiency.
“Are these jobs real? Are these people actually working? Can they send an email?” he asked.
New Restrictions on Spending and Travel
Trump reinforced his administration’s commitment to tightening financial controls by signing a new executive order on Wednesday. The order directs federal agencies to implement stricter budget oversight, including:
- Enhanced monitoring of federal payments.
- Suspensions of non-essential travel for government employees.
- Freezing of agency credit cards, except in emergencies or approved exceptions.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that all Cabinet agencies are expected to follow DOGE’s recommendations to improve efficiency and cut costs.
While the full impact of the restructuring remains uncertain, it is clear that the Trump administration is moving aggressively to reshape the federal workforce, setting the stage for a historic transformation of government operations .
