What they say: A spokesperson for the largest federal employee union, the American Federation of Government Employees, told Axios that the Trump administration is “illegally” laying off thousands of workers who provide “essential services” to communities across the country.
- “In AFGE’s 93 years of existence under multiple presidential administrations – including during Trump’s first term – no president has ever decided to lay off thousands of unemployed workers during a government shutdown,” they said.
- The federation is also pursuing administration on behalf of its more than 800,000 members.
- The White House declined to comment on the layoffs, referring Axios to the Office of Management and Budget, which said the layoffs were ongoing and “substantial.”
Administration provided details of its RIF plan in a court filing Friday evening.
Here’s what we know about the agencies currently involved and the public services they provide:
Department of Health and Human Services
1100 to 1200 it is estimated that employees will be laid off within HHS.
The department is responsible for oversee Medicare and Medicaid, which together provide health care to nearly 40 percent of Americans, including children. The department also administers the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Head Start programs. HHS also includes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which monitors emerging health threats.
The Department of Homeland Security
DHS will lose approximately 176 employees were laid off.
- “This is part of CISA’s return to mission,” they said in an emailed statement.
- DHS did not respond to questions from Axios about whether the layoffs would affect Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the agency charged with implementing the president’s massive detention and deportation programs.
- This also did not confirm if there were cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which prepares for and responds to natural disasters.
The Treasury Department
1,446 employees will likely be fired at the Treasury Department.
The Treasury Department chairs various agencies responsible for fiscal policy, including; the Internal Revenue Service, which collects taxes; the US Mint, which issues coins as well as commemorative medals; and the Financial Crime Network.
The Department of Education
About 466 Department of Education workers will be fired.
- The ministry did not specify which department offices would be affected.
In figures: About 50% of the department’s workforce was laid off in March, turning the department responsible for administering financial aid and funding, equal access for marginalized student populations and providing oversight of education policy into a skeleton crew.
- Cuts come after Supreme Court in July allowed Trump to move forward with his plan to dismantle the department.
Environmental Protection Agency
About 20 to 30 EPA employees will be laid off at EPA.
- “Using our jobs for political leverage constitutes an illegal and unprecedented abuse of power,” Justin Chen, president of AFGE Council 238, said in an emailed statement.
The EPA is responsible for protect air quality, prevent water pollution, and oversee the disposal of hazardous waste.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD downsizes staff by approximately 442 employees.
- “HUD is implementing workforce reductions to align our programs with Administration priorities and departmental appropriations.”
The department provides housing assistance and operates several programs responsible for ensuring equal access to homeownership for veterans, poor families, and historically marginalized communities.
Additional departments affected
Approximately 187 employees at the Department of Energy will be released from their duties at the Department of Energy.
Trade expected to lose approximately 315 employees.
Go further: Trump officials say ‘substantial’ layoffs of federal workers have begun
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a HUD statement and additional layoff numbers.
Julianna Bragg of Axios contributed reporting to this story.
