If you’ve been following the news lately, you know the federal workforce is undergoing its biggest shakeup since the post-WWII era. People are asking one big question: how many government jobs have been cut since the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) took the stage?
Honestly, the numbers are moving so fast it’s hard to keep up. But we finally have some clarity. As of early 2026, the landscape of public service in the United States has been fundamentally altered. It’s not just about "efficiency" anymore; it’s a total structural renovation.
The Big Number: Tracking the 2025-2026 Layoffs
Let's get straight to the point. According to data tracked by organizations like the Partnership for Public Service and various federal watchdog groups, about 300,000 federal civil service layoffs have been officially announced or executed since the second Trump administration took office.
By late 2025, just under 200,000 workers had already physically left their desks. This isn't just a suggestion or a "hiring freeze" anymore—it’s a massive exit.
To put that in perspective:
- In March 2025 alone, the government led all sectors in job cuts with over 216,000 positions targeted.
- The Department of Agriculture (USDA) saw a staggering drop, losing roughly 21,000 employees.
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a frequent target of political rhetoric, cut about 30,000 jobs.
- Even the Department of Defense (DOD), usually a sacred cow in budget talks, saw 55,000 civilian positions slashed.
It's a lot. For those keeping score, that’s roughly a 12% reduction of the 2.4 million civilian federal workforce in just about a year. And that might just be the beginning if the 75% reduction target remains the goal.
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Why Is This Happening Now?
Basically, it’s the "DOGE effect." When Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy were tasked with leading the Department of Government Efficiency, they didn't bring a scalpel. They brought a chainsaw.
The strategy was two-pronged. First, they went after what they called "DEI-adjacent" roles. Every employee working on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives was put on administrative leave almost immediately. Then came the "Fork in the Road" program—a voluntary deferred retirement plan.
Nearly 75,000 federal employees took the buyout in February 2025. They got paid through September to just... walk away.
The "Schedule F" Factor
You've probably heard this term thrown around. It’s now officially known as "Schedule Policy/Career." It basically stripped tens of thousands of civil servants of their traditional job protections. If you’re in a role that influences policy, you’re no longer a "career" employee; you’re an "at-will" employee. That made it much easier for the administration to execute these cuts without the years of litigation that usually follow federal firings.
Which Agencies Got Hit the Hardest?
It wasn't an even split. Some agencies were essentially gutted, while others just got a haircut.
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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was essentially wiped out, losing about 86% of its staff. AmeriCorps saw an 84% reduction. If you were looking for help from USAID, you'd find 10,000 fewer people there than a year ago.
Interestingly, the cuts weren't just about saving money. They were about shifting how the government functions. For instance, the GSA (General Services Administration) became a "choke point." DOGE teams occupied entire floors of the GSA headquarters, taking over the smart-payment systems and procurement data. If an agency wanted to spend money or hire someone, they had to go through the DOGE-led GSA first.
A Breakdown of Specific Losses:
- Department of Education: Lost 33% of its workforce (about 1,378 people).
- Health and Human Services (HHS): Slashed 13,450 positions.
- NASA: Lost 4,890 employees, mostly in non-mission-critical support roles.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): While the raw number was lower (388), the impact on field offices was significant.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Cuts
One common misconception is that all these people lived in Washington, D.C.
That's totally false.
Only about 15% of civilian federal workers are actually based in the D.C. metro area. The rest are spread across the country—Social Security offices in small-town Ohio, Forest Service rangers in Oregon, and IRS processors in Texas.
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When the Social Security Administration (SSA) closed regional field offices or the VA cut 12,700 jobs, the pain was felt in local communities, not just "the swamp." In places like Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, the unemployment rate spiked because the local economy depends on those civilian military support jobs.
The Backlash and the "MERIT" Act
Not everyone is taking this sitting down. By January 2026, the legal battles have reached a fever pitch.
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and several other lawmakers introduced the MERIT Act. The goal? To reinstate federal employees they claim were "unjustly fired" and provide them with back pay. Unions like the NFFE-IAM have been sounding the alarm, specifically about the 480,000+ veterans who work in the federal government. They argue that by cutting 75% of the workforce, the administration is effectively firing half a million people who served their country in uniform.
Even some of Trump’s own cabinet members have voiced concerns. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick famously described the approach as "backward," suggesting that the focus should have been on cutting waste and improving tech rather than just mass layoffs.
Actionable Insights for the Current Climate
If you are a federal employee or a contractor, the "old way" of doing business is gone. Here is how to navigate this new era:
- Audit Your Job Description: If your role involves "policy influence," you are likely under the new Schedule F (Policy/Career) designation. Understand that your job security is now tied much more closely to the current administration’s goals.
- Track Your Performance Data: DOGE is obsessed with "receipts." Keep a personal log of every project, every dollar saved, and every efficiency you've created. In a world where techies are making firing decisions, hard data is your only shield.
- Diversify Your Skills: Many former feds are finding work in the private sector, particularly in compliance and government relations. Don't wait for a RIF (Reduction in Force) notice to update your LinkedIn.
- Monitor the MERIT Act: Keep an eye on the legislative progress of reinstatement acts. If you were part of a mass layoff, you may eventually be eligible for back pay or priority rehiring if these bills pass.
The federal government is currently the smallest it has been per capita in decades. Whether this leads to a leaner, more efficient machine or a collapse of essential services is the debate of the century. One thing is certain: the number of government jobs cut in 2025 and 2026 has already broken every historical record we have.
Stay informed by checking the latest FedScope data releases from the OPM, which usually come out quarterly. They are the most reliable way to see the actual numbers behind the headlines.