Federal agencies must develop plans to eliminate employee positions, according to a memo distributed by President Donald Trump ‘s administration on Wednesday.
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 by March 13 their plans for what is known as a reduction in force, which would not only lay off employees but eliminate the position altogether. The result could be extensive changes in how government functions.
Other news we’re following today:
USAID workers clear out: Thousands of U.S. Agency for International Development workers who have been fired or placed on leave are being given a 15-minute window Thursday and Friday to clear out their workspaces. Supreme Court intervenes on foriegn aid: The administration said it is eliminating more than 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts and $60 billion in overall U.S. assistance, according to a memo and court filings obtained by the AP on Wednesday. The Supreme Court intervened in that case late Wednesday and temporarily blocked a court order requiring the administration to release billions of dollars in foreign aid by midnight.VA pauses contract cuts: The Department of Veterans Affairs has temporarily suspended billions of dollars in planned contract cuts following concerns that the move would hurt critical veterans’ health services, lawmakers and veterans service organizations said Wednesday.Pentagon orders DEI purge: On Wednesday, the Pentagon directed all military services to remove any mentions of promoting “diversity, equity and inclusion” from years of website postings, videos, photos and news articles.
