Federal agencies must develop plans to eliminate employee positions, according to a memo distributed by President Donald Trump’s administration that sets in motion what could become a sweeping realignment of American government, according to the Associated Press.
The memo expands the president’s efforts to downsize the federal workforce, which he has described as bloated and an impediment to his agenda. Thousands of probationary employees have already been fired, and now his administration is turning its attention to career officials with civil service protection.
Agencies are directed to submit their plans for what is known as a “reduction in force” by March 13. This would not only lay off employees but eliminate positions altogether. The result could be extensive changes in how the U.S. government functions.
