White House plans to expand mass layoffs to IRS and Veterans Affairs

Trump administration looks to axe up to half of the tax agency’s workforce and fire up to 83,000 workers at the VA

US politics live – latest updates

Mass layoffs are being planned for two more vital federal US government agencies as the IRS and Veteran Affairs have emerged as the latest targets of the Trump administration’s unprecedented purge through billionaire Elon Musk’s “department of government efficiency” (Doge), new reports suggest.

The IRS is drafting plans to slash its 90,000-strong workforce by up to half through a mix of layoffs, attrition and buyouts, according to the Associated Press. The federal tax collector has offices across the country, with women accounting for 65% of the workforce, while people of color represent 56%.

Topics

Trump Administration Plans to Eliminate More Than 80,000 Veterans Affairs Employees

The job reductions would be a major escalation of the downsizing that has already occurred at the department, which provides health care and many other services to veterans.
The New York Times - 4h
What Do the Mass IRS Layoffs Mean for Your Business Tax Filings?

The IRS just laid off at least 6,000 employees, which could lead to slower processing times–or lax enforcement.
Inc. - Feb. 21
Mass federal layoffs deliver a gutting one-two punch to America's veterans

President Donald Trump’s sweeping efforts to purge the federal workforce have dealt a striking one-two punch to an already largely vulnerable population: America’s veterans.
NBC News - Feb. 21
OPM instructs agencies to turn over plans for mass government layoffs

A Wednesday memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directs agencies across government to turn over plans for widespread layoffs of federal ...
The Hill - Feb. 26
White House formally instructs agencies to prepare for 'large-scale' layoffs

The Trump administration is directing federal agencies to begin preparations for large-scale layoffs and restructuring, and submit plans by March 13, according to a memo.
ABC News - Feb. 26
Mass Layoffs Begin at NOAA

The cuts came just before a separate wave of departures was expected under the Trump administration’s so-called deferred resignation program.
The New York Times - 6d
DNC sues over Trump order to expand White House control of independent agencies

National Democrats on Friday sued over President Trump's executive order aiming to expand the White House's control over various independent regulatory agencies. The Democratic Party's three ...
The Hill - 5d
Agencies told to prep for mass layoffs

Welcome to The Hill's Business & Economy newsletter {beacon} Business & Economy Business & Economy The Big Story OPM tells agencies to plan for mass layoffs A Wednesday memo from the Office of ...
The Hill - Feb. 26
US judge temporarily blocks White House from ordering mass firing of federal workers

Ruling deals blow to efforts by Donald Trump and Elon Musk to shrink government workforce
Financial Times - 5d