Pentagon to cut up to 76,000 jobs in major cost overhaul
The Pentagon has announced plans to lay off up to 76,000 civilian employees as part of its cost-reduction strategy. This decision aligns with President Trump's campaign to reduce bureaucracy in the federal government.
What do you need to know?
- The layoffs are part of a cost-reduction campaign, following 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.
- Further details are expected by April 11.
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 employees at the Pentagon. The plan includes layoffs of 5 to 8 percent of the workforce, affecting approximately 76,000 of the 950,000 employees.
The decision targets civilian employees and is part of a broader strategy by President Trump's administration to decrease bureaucracy in the federal government.
What are the alternatives for employees?
To mitigate the impact of the layoffs, Hegseth proposed a "deferred retirement program" and the option for eligible civil servants to retire early voluntarily. Department of Defense leadership is also expected to provide a 'proposal for the future organizational chart' of the departments by April 11.
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 option to leave with eight months' salary.
From his first day in office, Donald Trump began implementing promised changes. Following his decisions, a hiring freeze was imposed on new government employees, and new regulations could not be enacted until the administration gained full control over the federal government.
Source: "The Moscow Times", Onet
