In a bold move to trim the U.S. government’s size, President Donald Trump has ordered federal agencies to plan significant layoffs by March 13. This decision intensifies a campaign spearheaded alongside Elon Musk, who took center stage at Trump’s first cabinet meeting to discuss ambitious budget-cutting goals.
Musk, while not a cabinet official, was given a prominent role to outline his plan to reduce the $6.7 trillion government budget by $1 trillion this year. 🛠️📉
So far, the focus has been on probationary workers, with plans to eventually target veteran civil servants. For instance, Lee Zeldin, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator, plans to cut up to 65% of his 15,000 employees. Similarly, agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs are preparing for workforce reductions up to 40%.
Already, around 100,000 of the 2.3 million federal workers have been let go or have taken buyouts. The new memo signals an escalation, setting the stage for even more substantial cuts.
Despite these efforts, government spending has increased by 13% compared to last year, primarily due to rising health and retirement costs. However, Trump has promised not to cut popular benefits, maintaining a balance between budget cuts and essential services.
Looking ahead, Trump is pushing for the extension of the 2017 tax cuts, which could add more strain to the nation’s $36 trillion debt. With debates ongoing, the future of federal spending and workforce remains a hot topic.
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Trump orders more layoffs, Musk touts cuts at cabinet meeting
cgtn.com
