'National layoff': Trump and Elon Musk fire over 20,000 employees from US federal workforce! Check out the full list
Federal workers have expressed confusion and anger over the sudden terminations, especially those who had received positive performance evaluations prior to their dismissal.
In recent weeks, a wave of mass firings has swept through both the federal government and the tech industry in the United States, leading to significant upheaval for thousands of employees. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have been at the forefront of these actions, each implementing extensive layoffs within their respective domains.
Since the commencement of President Trump's second term, approximately 20,000 federal civil service workers have been dismissed. These layoffs have predominantly targeted probationary employees with less than one or two years of service.
Below is a table summarising the number of federal employees fired by the Trump administration since the start of its second term in January 2025. The numbers have been compiled using data from various agencies and based on the latest available information as of February 21, 2025, with estimates where exact figures could be incomplete or unconfirmed.
Department/Agency
Number of Employees Fired
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This table reflects the latest scenario, but numbers may shift as additional data emerges or legal challenges (e.g., CFPB, USAID) resolve. Federal workers have expressed confusion and anger over the sudden terminations, especially those who had received positive performance evaluations prior to their dismissal.
The extensive layoffs orchestrated by President Trump and Elon Musk have far-reaching implications for both public sector operations and private industry practices. While supporters argue that these measures are necessary for efficiency and cost reduction, critics contend that the loss of experienced personnel and the erosion of institutional knowledge could undermine the effectiveness of essential services and operations.
