The newly created Department of Government Efficiency within the White House, led by Elon Musk is actively working to reduce the workforce and implement cost-savings measures in the entire federal government. The recent actions of terminating a large number of probationary staff have caused considerable debates and legal challenges.
Federal Restructuring Initiatives and the Context
A pattern of restructuring has been observed within the federal agencies since President Trump took office. Not only are there changes to the workforce, but priorities and projects within departments have also been reevaluated.
HHS Reduces Workforce Details
DOGE, according to several reports has been responsible for dismissing approximately 3,600 probationary workers at the Department of Health and Human Services. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new Secretary of HHS overseen the reduction of this workforce. HHS manages important programs related to food safety, vaccines and health insurance that affect a significant portion of Americans. It also encompasses prominent organisations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FDA, National Institutes of Health and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
According to reports, these early dismissals were made in order to reduce disruption of essential government services. Apparently, the first wave of cutbacks did not affect key areas, such as refugee resettling, emergency preparedness and research, frontline health care, CMS operations and drug inspections. The Washington Post published documents outlining DOGE’s wider strategy. This indicates that an even more significant reduction in federal DEI programs and personnel has begun.
DOGE Phased Workforce Optimization Approach
DOGE has outlined a plan that employs three phases to reduce federal staff within the first 90 days of an administration.
- Phase 1 Now that this phase was completed, it involved revoking directives issued during the Biden era, and stopping DEI initiatives. Staff in 31 locations were put on leave.
- Phase 2 Currently in effect (expected to last until February 19), this phase places employees in non-DEI roles—who DOGE deems connected to DEI initiatives—on leave. During this phase, multiple offices in HHS were classified as targets.
- Phase 3 It is expected that the last phase will be the most complete. The full impact of the final phase is not yet known.
Washington Post reports that documents clearly state the goal of terminating any employees who are deemed as being related to DEI.
Reactions & Perspectives
DOGE’s actions have been met with a variety of reactions from different stakeholders.
- HHS Statement: HHS confirmed the commitment of the new Secretary to addressing chronic disease and improving national health via the official X (formerly Twitter).
- White House position: White House has characterized CFPB agency as one that unfairly uses its power against certain industries.
- Concerns of Lawmakers Lisa Murkowski, Republican senator, expressed concern about federal staff reductions that could affect energy development in Alaska. She also cited potential damage to tourism, preparedness for wildfires, and the preparation of the state’s workforce.
There is a long road ahead, with legal challenges to be met and continued oversight.
Further developments will be expected as DOGE continues its advice and scrutiny of federal government agencies. This organization publishes data about workforce costs and numbers on its website. website.
In relation to these personnel terminations, several lawsuits against the administration have been filed.
We expect to face additional challenges in the context of ongoing force reduction.