The federal workforce was reduced by about 317,000 people this year as the Trump administration focuses on shrinking the government, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced in a post on Nov. 21.
The administration set a target of four job reductions per new hire and exceeded that goal, according to OMB Director Scott Kupor.
The federal government hired about 68,000 people in 2025, while about 317,000 employees left—more than double the historical average, according to the Trump administration.
About 2.1 million civilians currently work full-time for the federal government, according to OMB.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Oct. 15 directing federal agencies to restrict hiring across the government. The order states that, in most cases, no vacant federal civilian positions can be filled and no new positions may be created, except in certain cases. Immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety positions were exempt from the initiative….
Federal Government Shed 317,000 Jobs This Year: OMB
