➤ President Donald Trump’s government has continued to fire massive numbers of people working for the US government. Tens of thousands of workers have been let go. The loss of workers will make it much harder for many government agencies to carry out their work.
President Donald Trump’s government has continued to fire massive numbers of people working for the US government. Tens of thousands of workers have been let go. The loss of workers will make it much harder for many government agencies to carry out their work.
The firing of government workers continues, across almost all government departments and agencies. In several cases, workers in important positions have been let go and then Mr. Trump’s government has scrambled to hire them back.
Some of the government’s firings have been challenged in court, and could be reversed. But the firings that have happened so far are just a small part of a much larger plan by Mr. Trump and Elon Musk to greatly reduce the number of people working for the US government.
Below is a summary of some of the larger cuts that have been made.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC cut about 3,150 jobs, which is nearly 25% of the people who worked there. The CDC helps keep people healthy by preventing diseases, studying health issues, and providing information about staying safe and healthy. The CDC played a major part in helping the US get through the coronavirus pandemic.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA let go of at least 3,589 people, which is about 17% of its workers. This agency makes sure that the food we eat and the medicines we take are safe and work properly.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The NIH cut at least 2,300 jobs – nearly 11% of the people who worked there. This agency does important medical research to find new ways to treat diseases and improve health for everyone.
😕
This image has not been loaded because of your cookie choices. To view the content, you can accept 'Non-necessary' cookies.
So far the Department of Veterans Affairs has fired around 2,400 people, but it has announced plans to fire 80,000, which is close to 20% of its workers. This department helps soldiers and others who have fought to defend the US. Above, a person walking past the VA’s main offices in Washington, DC.
Veterans Affairs (VA)
So far the VA has fired around 2,400 people, but it has announced plans to fire 80,000, which is close to 20% of its workers. This department helps soldiers and others who have fought to defend the US, by providing healthcare and other support to help them.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The SSA reduced its numbers by about 7,000 workers – about 12% of the people who worked there. This agency helps people get money when they retire, become disabled, or lose a family member. Many older and/or disabled people depend on social security to survive.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The IRS let go of about 7,315 people, which is over 7% of its workers. The IRS is responsible for collecting taxes from people and businesses. The money the IRS collects helps pay for government services and programs.
Forest Service
The Forest Service fired about 3,400 workers, which is nearly 9% of the people who worked there. This agency manages national forests and grasslands, making sure they are healthy and safe for people to enjoy, while also protecting wildlife and natural resources.
Agencies and Departments Being Shut Down
US Agency for International Development (USAID)
Almost all USAID workers have been fired – about 10,000 people in all. This agency helped countries around the world by providing money and support to improve things like health and education. Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk have been trying to shut down USAID, but only Congress has this power. The effort to shut down USAID is being challenged in court.
Department of Education (DOE)
The Department of Education has gotten rid of at least 2,100 people, which is over half of its workers. This department makes sure that all students have equal access to education and helps with things like student loans and school programs. On March 20, Mr. Trump signed an order to take all possible steps to close the DOE. By law, only Congress can actually shut down the department.