President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at reducing the size of the federal government by cutting staff and limiting hiring. The order directs agencies to collaborate with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to implement workforce reductions.
According to a White House fact sheet, agency heads are instructed to work with DOGE to shrink the federal workforce and only hire for essential positions. The order aligns with Elon Musk's DOGE 'workforce optimization' strategy, allowing agencies to rehire only one worker for every four employees who leave.
After the initial hiring freeze, agencies will be limited to hiring one employee for every four who depart, with exceptions for immigration, law enforcement, and public safety roles. Agencies will also develop plans for significant workforce reductions and identify areas for potential elimination or consolidation based on legal requirements.
This executive order reflects the administration's commitment to streamlining government operations and improving efficiency. It underscores the importance of maintaining high standards of conduct among federal employees while aligning with broader efforts to reduce the size and cost of the federal workforce.
