Mass Layoffs Loom as White House Reviews Federal Downsizing Plans Led by Elon Musk's DOGE

The White House is reviewing plans submitted by federal agencies for a second wave of mass layoffs, potentially affecting thousands of government workers in the coming weeks. President Donald Trump had set a March 13 deadline for agencies to submit proposals aimed at shrinking what he called a “bloated and inefficient” federal workforce.

All agencies have met the deadline, but no firm timeline has been set for completing the review. One source close to the matter said the administration hopes to finalize the process by September. The review is being led by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by tech billionaire Elon Musk. While Musk is staying informed, he is not directly involved in day-to-day document reviews.

So far, DOGE has overseen the elimination of over 100,000 federal jobs, sparking legal challenges and criticism from labor unions and Democrats. Opponents argue the initiative is destabilizing agencies without delivering proven cost savings, and serves as a cover to dismantle federal programs opposed by the GOP.

Key agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Education, and the General Services Administration have submitted revised workforce reduction plans. Veterans Affairs is preparing to cut 80,000 jobs, while Education plans to slash its staff by half. NASA will reportedly cut roles in its DEI program and technology policy office, and the FDA will reduce staff in records management and lab safety.

Agencies will be required to submit monthly progress reports. The White House, OMB, OPM, and DOGE have not commented on the ongoing review. Critics warn the cuts may have long-term impacts on public services and government operations.