Thousands of Federal Workers Hit in Massive Round of Layoffs

The Trump administration has ramped up efforts to terminate thousands of probationary federal employees from several departments, targeting those with less than a year (or in some cases, two years) on the job. The logic? They’re easier to fire.

On February 13, federal agencies were given the green light to proceed with layoffs, hitting departments like Energy, Veterans Affairs, Interior, Education, and even the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), more than 200,000 federal employees fall into the probationary category, making them easy targets for a quick round of cuts.

“The probationary period is a continuation of the job application process, not an entitlement for permanent employment,” stated an OPM spokesperson. “Agencies are taking independent action in light of the recent hiring freeze and in support of the President’s broader efforts to restructure and streamline the federal government to better serve the American people at the highest possible standard."

Among the hardest-hit agencies was the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where hundreds of probationary employees were dismissed in one sweep. The terminations were so abrupt that affected employees received their notices through a vague email from an “exec order” Microsoft address rather than an official .gov domain.

David Spero, National President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), AFL-CIO, did not hold back in his statement, calling the decision “draconian” and warning that it would increase workloads. The FAA was already struggling with staffing shortages—a fact made even more glaring by three major fatal aircraft accidents in the past month.

“These are not nameless, faceless bureaucrats,” Spero expressed. “They are our family, friends and neighbors. They contribute to our communities. Many military veterans are among them. It is shameful to toss aside dedicated public servants who have chosen to work on behalf of their fellow Americans.”

This is just the latest in a series of shake-ups that have left federal employees on edge. Since taking office, Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have fired top officials, dismantled key agencies, and convinced 77,000 employees to quit through a deferred resignation offer.

FMI: www.faa.gov