Mass Layoffs of Federal Workers

Approximately 10,000 federal workers were laid off as part of efforts to reduce the government workforce, primarily targeting probationary employees across various departments, including the Department of Interior and Veterans Affairs. Although many of these layoffs were enacted, a federal judge intervened to reinstate essential staff at the National Nuclear Security Administration amid concerns about nuclear security. The IRS is also expected to announce similar layoffs during a critical tax season, raising questions about the efficiency of the government's civilian workforce. This decision to reduce staff comes as President Trump argues that the government is struggling with a bloated workforce and increasing national debt, leading to a clash with congressional Democrats over fiscal authority.