Massive Buyouts Trigger Largest Federal Exit Since WWII
More than 154,000 U.S. federal employees are leaving their jobs this week. This marks the biggest single-year exodus of civil servants in nearly 80 years. The resignations follow a buyout program launched under former President Donald Trump aimed at shrinking the federal workforce.
Most of the departing workers had already stopped active duties and were on payroll through a deferred exit scheme. Now, they are officially off the books. Experts and unions warn of a major “brain drain” and long-term damage to federal services.
Don Moynihan, a public policy professor, says losing experienced workers will hinder government programs. “Much of the knowledge is walking out the door,” he said.
Impact Hits NASA, CDC, FDA, and Weather Services
Key agencies like NASA, the CDC, and FDA have been severely affected. NASA lost nearly 4,000 engineers and scientists. The CDC and FDA are facing over 5,000 cuts, hurting tobacco prevention and youth surveys.
At the National Weather Service, 200 experts left, disrupting forecasts and equipment maintenance. The Agriculture Department also lost 1,200 employees, including specialists in food safety.
Officials say hiring will continue where needed, but unions argue replacements lack the same expertise.
The buyouts, part of Trump’s push with adviser Elon Musk, aim to cut 300,000 jobs total. The Office of Personnel Management claims $28 billion will be saved annually.
Despite the cuts, the national unemployment rate remains unaffected as federal workers make up less than 1.5% of total payrolls.
