In what is being called the largest government workforce exit in U.S. history, over 150,000 federal employees are leaving their jobs this week after accepting buyout offers under President Donald Trump’s plan to shrink the federal workforce. The mass resignations are part of a broader push to streamline government operations, reduce inefficiencies, and cut costs.
Part of Trump’s Plan to Shrink Federal Workforce
The buyouts come as a key component of Trump’s strategy to reduce the size of the federal government, using a mix of financial incentives and threats of dismissal. Employees who accepted deferred exit packages will officially resign starting Tuesday, with many having been on paid leave since leaving their agencies months ago.
According to federal HR estimates, the administration is on track to lose around 300,000 employees by the end of 2025, marking a 12.5% reduction since Trump’s return to office. Former adviser Elon Musk is said to have played a major role in shaping the downsizing initiative.
Concerns Over “Brain Drain” and Loss of Expertise
Experts warn that the large-scale resignations could result in a severe “brain drain” from the government.
“It takes years to develop the expertise required to run essential programs. Much of that knowledge is now walking out the door,” said Don Moynihan, professor at the Ford School of Public Policy.
Agencies are already struggling to execute key functions, with gaps in critical areas such as weather forecasting, food safety, health programs, and space exploration.
Key Departments Hit Hard
- National Weather Service (NWS): Nearly 200 employees, including senior meteorologists and technical experts, have left, affecting forecasting capabilities.
- Department of Agriculture (USDA): Around 1,200 workers (17% of staff) exited, including specialists in food safety and toxin detection.
- Health Agencies: The FDA and CDC together lost nearly 6,000 employees as part of the buyout plan.
- NASA: About 4,000 employees, including top engineers and scientists, accepted the offer, raising concerns about future space missions.
Future Uncertain
While officials claim essential services will continue, unions and policy experts warn that the federal government faces a long-term talent crisis. As agencies lose decades of institutional knowledge, questions remain about how quickly — or effectively — the lost expertise can be replaced.
