It’s a tough day for thousands of federal employees as sweeping layoffs hit multiple government agencies, following a significant move by the Trump administration. Just a day after ending its deferred resignation offer for the nation’s two million federal workers, the administration began implementing mass layoffs across several agencies on Thursday, sources told ABC News.
These layoffs are part of a broader campaign promise to downsize the federal government. The first wave targeted probationary employees—newer hires who joined the federal workforce within the last one to two years, depending on the agency. These employees typically have fewer job protections, making them more vulnerable to such decisions.
As of March 2024, data showed around 150,000 federal workers (excluding those in the Department of Defense) had been employed for a year or less, highlighting the potential scale of those affected.
Who’s Impacted?
Agencies feeling the brunt of these layoffs include:
- The Department of Education
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
- General Services Administration (GSA)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
And the list doesn’t end there—additional agencies have also started issuing layoffs, according to insiders.
How Were Employees Notified?
For many workers, the news came via email. At the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), however, employees joined a group call only to hear a prerecorded message from the acting director, Charles Ezell, breaking the news.
“Good afternoon, thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. This is a difficult conversation,” Ezell began in the recording obtained by ABC News. He continued by confirming their terminations and instructed them to “gather your personal belongings and exit the premises.”
The call reportedly included about 200 probationary workers, making the news all the more jarring for those listening. Ezell ended with a faint glimmer of encouragement, hoping employees would view this as an “opportunity for your next step forward.”
The Bigger Picture
These layoffs follow OPM’s directive for agencies to identify probationary employees, likely setting the groundwork for Thursday’s events.
Interestingly, over 73,000 federal employees had already accepted a buyout offer from the administration prior to these layoffs. The deal promised full pay and benefits until September for those who chose to resign voluntarily, offering some a softer landing in this turbulent time.
What’s Next?
For those affected, this marks an unexpected and challenging turn. The administration’s decision to follow through on this pledge raises questions about the future of the federal workforce and how these agencies will adapt to the changes.
As thousands of employees face an uncertain road ahead, this moment serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of government policies—and the resilience of those navigating them.
