Sweeping Workforce Overhaul: Trump's Radical Move to Downsize Federal Employees

President Donald Trump is set to issue an order for significant federal workforce reductions, targeting non-security roles with plans to hire one for every four departures. The move, supported by Elon Musk, aims to align government operations with Trump's priorities, amid legal challenges on civil service protections.

In a bold move to reshape the federal workforce, President Donald Trump plans to issue an executive order aimed at reducing government employment. According to a White House official, the order will direct federal agencies to hire only one employee for every four departures from the workforce.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by Trump and adviser Elon Musk to downsize the government and align it with the President's policy goals. This comes amid previous attempts to strip civil-service protections and cut down the number of federal workers, which have been met with legal challenges.

Exemptions will be made for employees engaged in national security and critical services, while efforts will continue to uncover and eliminate government waste and fraud. The plan has stirred controversy, especially concerning Musk's involvement given his role as a government contractor, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

(With inputs from agencies.)