Pentagon to cut 76,000 civilian jobs in cost-saving move
The Pentagon has announced plans to lay off up to 76,000 civilian employees as part of a cost-reduction strategy. This decision aligns with President Trump's campaign to streamline the federal government.
What do you need to know?
- The layoffs are part of a cost-reduction campaign, in accordance with a memorandum signed by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
- The planned layoffs could affect up to 76,000 of the current 950,000 civilian employees of the Department of Defense.
- Details are expected by April 11, 2024.
What are the details of the layoff plan?
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum aimed at reducing the number of civilian staff at the Pentagon. The plan includes laying off 5 to 8 percent of the workforce, approximately 76,000 out of 950,000 people.
The decision targets civilian employees and is part of a broader strategy by President Trump's administration to streamline the government.
What are the alternatives for employees?
To mitigate the impacts of the layoffs, Hegseth proposed a "deferred retirement program" that would allow eligible civil servants to take early retirement voluntarily. The Department of Defense leadership is also expected to provide him with a 'proposal for the future organizational chart' of the departments by April 11, 2024.
What are the broader implications for the federal government?
The first agency targeted by Trump's campaign was the CIA, where employees were offered the choice to leave with eight months' salary.
From his first day in office, Donald Trump began implementing promised changes. Following his decisions, new government employees were placed on a hiring freeze, and new regulations could not be enacted until the administration gained full control over the federal government.
Source: "The Moscow Times", Onet
