The Pentagon is the latest target of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as the Trump administration moves forward with federal workforce cuts.
With probationary employees under scrutiny and reports of an 8% reduction circulating, tensions are high across the Defense Department.
What’s Happening With DoD Layoffs?
According to a senior official, the Defense Department has submitted lists of its probationary employees to the Trump administration, signaling that layoffs could be imminent. While exact numbers haven’t been confirmed, an internal memo reported by NPR suggests that up to 8% of the department’s workforce could be cut.
The Office of Personnel Management has not commented on the situation, but employees across military branches are feeling the pressure. One Army employee described the uncertainty as “the anxiety of waiting for the shoe to drop.” Another worker at a Marine base warned that layoffs could devastate communities that rely on military bases for employment.
Elon Musk’s DOGE Task Force Targets Pentagon Waste
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has expressed support for DOGE’s mission to eliminate waste and inefficiency. “There is waste, redundancies, and headcounts at headquarters that need to be addressed,” Hegseth stated. Last week, DOGE posted on X that it had a “great kickoff” at the Defense Department, with plans to “safely save taxpayer dollars and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.” Hegseth responded, “Let’s get to work. DOGE the waste; Double-Down on warriors.”
Who’s at Risk?
Probationary employees are the most vulnerable, as their job status is typically less secure than that of permanent workers. However, there are reports that some employees may be able to keep their jobs if they can demonstrate that their roles are essential to national security. Last week, the National Nuclear Security Administration sent out layoff letters, only to rescind them hours later after realizing the critical importance of those positions.
Why the Layoffs Matter
With a workforce of 3.4 million military and civilian employees and an annual budget nearing $850 billion, the Defense Department is the largest arm of the federal government. Any cuts to its workforce could have widespread effects, not only on national security but also on local economies that depend on military jobs.
What’s Next?
For now, the Defense Department (DoD) is waiting for further instructions from the Trump administration and DOGE regarding layoffs. Until the final numbers are confirmed, employees across the Pentagon are left in limbo. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
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