US government workforce shrinks by 12% since September 2024
Source: Reuters
March 4, 2026 10:44 AM EST Updated 6 hours ago
WASHINGTON, March 4 (Reuters) - The U.S. government's civilian workforce shrank by 12% between September 2024 and January 2026, according to government data published on Wednesday, reflecting President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency's efforts to cut government jobs.
The figures show Trump has fulfilled a pledge to slash the size of federal agencies, which he argued were bloated, although it remains to be seen whether the cuts will make them more efficient.
Separate data, also published by the federal government's HR office - the Office of Personnel Management - showed the majority of employees who exited under Trump left their jobs through voluntary resignations or early retirements, with a smaller percentage leaving due to layoffs.
Administrative staff, customer service representatives and IT managers topped the list of positions that left the government after Trump took office in January 2025.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-government-shed-386826-workers-trumps-first-year-back-power-2026-03-04/
Link to OPM
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Workforce Changes