Donald Trump’s crackdown on government employees: List of agencies firing federal workers

Jobs of over 20,000 federal employees are under jeopardy after US President Donald Trump ordered the heads of agencies across the government to start firing employees who were still within their probationary period.
Some federal staff members facing termination were given a mere 30 minutes to collect their items and depart from government premises. Moreover, the firing was done via Microsoft Teams group calls or pre-recorded messages.
Some were told that they would be laid off over email but never received such mails. Following Donald Trump’s directive, federal organisations were instructed to dismiss primarily probationary personnel, with some being hastily escorted out, according to the Washington Post.
This comes after intensified cost-cutting measures were launched by President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under Elon Musk’s leadership, including potential elimination of entire governmental departments.
Here are the federal agencies which have started purging workers
Interior department
The Interior Department dismissed about 2,300 employees following directives from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). These employees were on probationary status, meaning they were recently hired, the Hill reported.
The department, which oversees national parks, tribal affairs, endangered species, and energy production on federal lands, is now led by Doug Burgum, former governor of North Dakota and a former GOP presidential candidate, who was confirmed earlier this month.
Department of veterans affairs
Department of veterans affairs (VA) laid off over 1,000 new employees as part of a wave of federal government cuts. The firings affected probationary employees with less than two years of service.
According to the VA, the layoffs are expected to save over $98 million annually, with the savings redirected toward healthcare and benefits for veterans.
Environmental protection agency
The Environmental protection agency (EPA) terminated nearly 400 employees after receiving the OPM directive. Under the leadership of newly confirmed Administrator Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), the agency explained that these layoffs followed a thorough review in line with Trump’s executive orders.
This comes just days after the EPA put over 160 employees from the Office of environmental justice on leave, a team responsible for addressing pollution in vulnerable communities.
Health and human services
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is laying off nearly all of its 5,200 probationary employees, although some with specialized skills may remain. This includes up to 1,300 employees from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Additionally, two key staff members from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are leaving. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the environmental lawyer and former presidential candidate, was confirmed to lead HHS this week, despite controversy over his previous anti-vaccine views and stance on abortion.
Consumer financial protection bureau
Over 100 employees were let go at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) following the OPM directive. Most of those terminated were probationary employees. Jonathan McKernan has recently been appointed as the new chair of the agency, replacing acting director Russell Vought, who also serves as the director of the Office of Management and Budget.
However, a federal judge blocked the administration from proceeding with firings without cause, as part of a legal agreement reached with the National Treasury Employees Union.
US department of agriculture
The US forest service, part of the department of agriculture (USDA), laid off more than 2,400 employees, about 10% of its workforce. The USDA manages nearly 200 million acres of land.
These layoffs followed the Senate’s confirmation of Brooke Rollins to lead the agency, continuing the rapid pace of confirmation for President Trump’s Cabinet picks.
Department of education
The education department fired at least 30 employees after the OPM directive, with more cuts expected. These layoffs came shortly after the Institute of Education Sciences, the department’s research arm, canceled over 160 contracts due to funding cuts.
Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon recently pledged to work with Congress to potentially abolish the department, with plans to move essential programs to other parts of the government.
Small business administration
In line with President Trump’s executive order, more than 100 probationary employees at the Small Business Administration (SBA) were terminated. These layoffs followed earlier erroneous termination notices, which were later rectified by the president’s directive.
Kelly Loeffler, President Trump’s nominee to lead the SBA, is expected to be confirmed soon despite potential plans to reduce the agency’s size.