The Trump administration, with Elon Musk at the helm of efficiency efforts, is aiming for a 10% reduction in the federal workforce through a voluntary buyout plan. Over 20,000 employees have already accepted the offer, which provides continued salary payments until September. The deadline to accept the offer is February 6th.
The plan has faced criticism from federal employee unions, who argue it is designed to create a hostile work environment. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has also announced a hiring freeze for non-essential staff, both domestically and abroad. The agency is preparing to relocate non-essential overseas staff back to the United States within 30 days.