Donald Trump Administration Economic Policy

Axios, citing new Bureau of Labor Statistics data, reports that the federal workforce has fallen by about 271,000 employees — roughly 9% — between January and November 2025, as President Trump’s downsizing push led by Elon Musk’s DOGE team took effect. Most departures came through a voluntary 'Deferred Resignation' buyout-style program and other incentivized exits rather than outright firings, though the administration has since moved to rehire thousands in critical areas like nuclear weapons, disease response and tax administration after realizing gaps.