President Donald Trump’s administration has taken a significant step by reducing the federal workforce, dismissing over 200,000 probationary employees from various government agencies.
This decisive action highlights Trump’s dedication to streamlining the government and ensuring that taxpayer money is efficiently utilized. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) data indicates that, as of March 2024, around 220,000 federal employees were still in their probationary period.
In addition, reports from GBH suggest that 288,000 employees had been in service for one to two years. Under civil service regulations, these probationary employees can be dismissed without the complex legal procedures required for tenured staff.
The administration’s directive was explicit: agency heads were to evaluate and terminate employees who failed to meet performance standards or whose roles were considered non-essential.
The Trump administration was upfront about its intentions, suggesting widespread layoffs for those who didn’t accept a generous buyout offer. Trump officials informed CNN that these “Reductions in Force” would commence shortly after the deadline set by OPM for workers to accept resignation packages.
Federal News Network reported that OPM had provided agencies with “soft guidance” to dismiss probationary employees with some exceptions, such as public safety roles.
An OPM spokesperson clarified, “The probationary period is a continuation of the job application process, not an entitlement for permanent employment.” Typically, probationary employees are removed for underperformance or misconduct.
“Agencies are taking independent action in light of the recent hiring freeze and in support of the president’s broader efforts to restructure and streamline the federal government,” the spokesperson added.
Federal employees usually undergo a one-year probationary period, although some positions require two or even three years. Longer probation periods are common for law enforcement and certain Defense Department roles.
Terminations affected multiple departments, including Energy, Veterans Affairs, Education, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Small Business Administration.
The Department of Education and SBA saw dozens of employees dismissed, as reported by far-left CNN. At OPM, several probationary employees were terminated via a Microsoft Teams call.
The Department of Energy laid off between 1,200 and 2,000 workers, including hundreds from the nuclear stockpile office.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) let go of nearly 1,300 probationary employees, making up about 10% of its workforce. The U.S. Forest Service terminated approximately 3,400 probationary employees.
Meanwhile, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) dismissed over 1,000 employees, estimating an annual saving of more than $98 million.
According to the VA, the dismissed individuals included probationary employees who had been in service for less than a year in a competitive appointment or less than two years in an excepted service appointment. The VA emphasized that these personnel changes would allow the department to redirect resources toward healthcare, benefits, and services for beneficiaries.
The VA currently employs over 43,000 probationary individuals, most of whom are exempt from these dismissals due to their mission-critical roles or coverage under collective bargaining agreements. The New York Times, known for its far-left leanings, reported that the IRS is also planning to lay off thousands of workers.
In related news, journalist Eric Daugherty shared on Twitter that the IRS is preparing to lay off a significant number of employees. This development comes amidst ongoing efforts to reduce government size and improve efficiency. The move aligns with the administration’s broader strategy to streamline operations and enhance service delivery to the American public.
The focus remains on ensuring that government departments function within their means while delivering high-quality services. By cutting down on excess personnel, the administration aims to allocate resources more effectively. This approach underscores a commitment to fiscal responsibility and taxpayer accountability.
