By Jenna Lieu

In recent weeks, thousands of federal employees have been laid off under the Trump administration, with the support of Elon Musk to reduce government spending. Many federal workers received termination letters unexpectedly, leaving many unemployed and in financial uncertainty. Many of the workers expressed their frustration, shock, and anger over the unjustified dismissals. 

Federal departments and agencies that have been cut:

• HUD Community Planning and Development: 83.3% fired 
• Agency for International Development: 20% fired
• Social Security Administration: 12.3% fired
• Department of Energy: 10.6% fired
• Forest Service Department: 9.7% fired
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: 6.4% fired

(And many more agencies have faced layoffs)

Federal Agencies Affected by Layoffs

The Trump administration is implementing extensive layoffs within federal agencies across the United States. President Trump’s plan is to downsize government operations and capacity. A memo from the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management instructs agencies to eliminate non-essential positions, reduce budgets, and streamline operations.

In recent weeks, thousands of federal employees have been laid off, with many more expected by Sept. 30. While positions in law enforcement, national security, and public safety are exempt, agencies such as Social Security and Medicare must ensure any reductions do not disrupt services.

Supporters say the cuts will improve efficiency and reduce government spending, but critics argue they could lead to job losses and weakened public services. The move marks one of the most significant federal workforce reductions in decades.

Elon Musk’s Controversial Role

On X, Elon Musk warned federal workers to reply to an email that they would receive from the Office of Personnel Management. The email reportedly requires federal workers to list five things they’ve accomplished from the past week or risk termination.

This raises many concerns and questions among federal employees about their position status. Many federal agencies, including the FBI and state departments, have instructed federal employees not to reply to the email. This raises many questions about Elon Musk’s influence and power as a special assistant to the president. 

Personal Impact: The Case of Andrew Lennox

Marine veteran Andrew Lennox, a 10-year veteran who worked at the VA Medical Center, spoke with NBC News about his disbelief when he received the email notifying him of his termination. Lennox explained that he immediately called his supervisor to inform them that he had been fired, only to discover that his supervisor had no knowledge of the situation. In fact, no one in his direct chain of command was aware of the mass layoffs. Lennox described the process as “arbitrary,” stating that it “wasn’t thought out and poorly executed.”

The mass layoffs under the Trump administration have left many federal workers like Lennox unemployed without a clear explanation or proper communication. This highlights the need for a more thoughtful approach to workforce decisions that considers the impact on individuals.