Federal Agencies Told to Submit Restructuring Plans Amidst Layoffs

The restructuring and layoff frenzy is continuing in Washington, D.C. this week with thousands of federal workers expected to lose their jobs. Here is the latest on this developing situation.

Federal Memo Directs Managers to Begin Restructuring Process

The Trump administration issued a memo this week, telling all federal agencies to begin to prepare for widespread layoffs as part of a restructuring directive. The memo directed the agencies to provide plans by March 13 detailing how they plan to restructure their organization.

The memo came directly from White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought and Charles Ezell, the head of the Office of Personnel Management. The directive was sent Wednesday morning, providing instructions to agencies to follow as they cut their staff.

The instructions clearly state that President Donald Trump wants to see the large-scale reductions in force (RIFs) no later than March 13 along with the submission of "Agency Reorganization Plans."

Agency heads are being told to consolidate duplicative areas of their work. The memo also directs the managers to find solutions that "automate routine tasks." This part of the directive amplifies the goal of Elon Musk to implement solutions that automate some of the tasks done by federal workers.

While the memo is mostly all-encompassing to all federal agencies, there are a few specific exemptions.

These include jobs related to border security, national security, law enforcement, public safety positions, and immigration enforcement. In addition, all military personnel are exempt from the cuts. This includes all uniformed personnel, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Public Health Service, and officers serving at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).

Lastly, the agencies responsible for the U.S. Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, roles previously confirmed by the Senate, and any direct presidential appointments.

OMB is also required to sign off on any restructuring plans submitted by a handful of agencies that provide direct services to American services. This includes the offices that handle veterans' health care, Social Security, and Medicare.

Possibiilty of Offices Relocating

The memo directs that agencies can submit relocations of any offices or bureaus from the current headquarters in Washington, D.C. to "less-costly parts of the country" by April 14. Experts are already sounding the alarm bell about the implications of moving these agencies out of the nation's capital. The relocation of the workers that get retained will only add to the negative impacts on the local economy of this region.

Newly installed FBI Director Kash Patel has already signaled that he wants to relocate roughly 1,000 workers at this agency to other offices around the U.S. This includes sending another 500 employees to a field office in Huntsville, Alabama.

There are currently about 2.2 million federal workers in the U.S.

USAID Workers Clear Out Offices

Meanwhile, the impacts of the large-scale government restructuring are already being felt in the nation's capital. Former workers at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that had been placed on leave or laid off were allowed to return to the agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C. on Thursday to pick up their personal belongings. The former employees were given 15 minutes to retrieve their belongings from their offices at the Ronald Reagan Building.

Dozens of supporters lined the streets outside of the USAID headquarters to support the workers walking out with suitcases and boxes. Some of the supporters handed out flowers and snacks to show their appreciation for the service of the former employees of this governmental aid agency. Approximately 2,000 workers, or about 20% of the total workforce, were let go at USAID over the last few weeks.

U.S. Forest Service Chief Retires

U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore announced on Wednesday that he is retiring from the agency amidst the mass layoffs. In a letter to employees posted on the group's website, Moore said that he understands the feelings of uncertainty and loss felt by workers in the federal government. Moore's retirement is effective March 3. Appointed by former President Joe Biden, Moore is distinguished as the first African American to lead the U.S. Forest Service.

Like other federal agencies, thousands of jobs at the U.S. Forest Service are being cut as part of Musk's massive overhaul of the government. This agency falls under the umbrella of the Department of Agriculture.

Did you find this content useful? Feel free to bookmark or to post to your timeline for reference later.