President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at reducing the size of the federal workforce, with Elon Musk present at the Oval Office signing as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The order outlines measures to streamline government agencies through hiring limits and potential large-scale reductions in force.
The Context
The order is the latest move in Trump’s broader effort to downsize the federal government. With Musk leading DOGE, the administration pushes to deliver private-sector efficiency to government functions. Critics and legal challenges are expected as the administration pushes forward with cuts and restructuring.
What To Know
Agencies are directed to develop plans for workforce reductions, with a hiring ratio of one new employee for every four who leave. Immigration enforcement, public safety and law enforcement are exempt from the restrictions.
DOGE, led by Musk, will oversee the efficiency measures and coordinate with agency heads to implement the order. Agencies are instructed to prioritize cuts in nonessential functions and diversity initiatives.
Trump’s hiring freeze, enacted on his first day in office, will remain in place until the new hiring plan is fully implemented.
Federal employees are being offered incentives to resign, but legal challenges are already mounting. Plans for reorganization will include identifying agencies or components that can be eliminated.
Musk said that the public demanded government reform. “The people voted for major government reform, and that’s what the people are going to get,” he said.
Executive Order Text in Full
Here is the full text of the executive order:
What People Are Saying
White House fact sheet: “Agency Heads will coordinate and consult with DOGE to shrink the size of the federal workforce and limit hiring to essential positions. The Office of Personnel Management will initiate a rulemaking to ensure federal employees are held to the highest standards of conduct.”
What Happens Next
Agencies will begin submitting their downsizing plans, and legal challenges are expected to mount as workforce reductions and reorganization efforts move forward.
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