In his 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump has made one thing crystal clear: if he returns to the White House, he won’t waste any time. One of his boldest promises is a sweeping plan to lay off thousands of federal workers. The move, according to his advisors and campaign insiders, is aimed at “draining the swamp” and replacing what he calls the “deep state” with a more loyal, conservative workforce.
But what exactly does this mean for the American government? How will this impact workers, departments, and public services? In this article, we’ll break down Trump’s proposed federal worker layoffs, the legal tools he plans to use, and the possible consequences—good or bad—for the nation.
Trump has long criticized the federal bureaucracy. In his view, many government workers act independently of elected leaders, pushing their own agendas. During his first term, he often clashed with career officials in agencies like the FBI, DOJ, and the CDC. Now, he says he’s ready to take decisive action.
He believes too many federal employees are part of a “deep state” that works against the will of the people. His goal, as he puts it, is to “restore power to the American people” by removing disloyal or obstructive workers and replacing them with staff who will carry out his agenda.
If elected in November 2024, Trump plans to quickly roll out a plan based on an executive order known as Schedule F. Originally introduced during his first term, Schedule F was designed to reclassify tens of thousands of federal employees as “excepted service.” That means they could be fired more easily and replaced without the usual civil service protections.
Though President Biden reversed Schedule F early in his term, Trump has said he will bring it back immediately.
With Schedule F, Trump would target workers involved in policymaking, legal interpretation, regulatory decisions, and other roles that influence federal policies.
Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of federal workers could fall under Schedule F if Trump reactivates and expands it. This could include employees in departments like:
Even positions at the White House, Treasury, and State Department could see massive shakeups.
Trump’s supporters argue that the federal government has grown bloated and inefficient. They believe many longtime government workers push against change, making it hard for elected leaders to govern.
Proponents of the layoffs say:
Stephen Miller, a top Trump advisor, has said the goal is to make every part of the federal government work directly under presidential authority.
However, critics warn that such mass layoffs could harm public trust and government functioning. Civil service protections were created to prevent political interference and corruption. By removing these protections, Trump could reshape the government into one that acts more like a political campaign operation.
Concerns include:
David Berteau, a former Pentagon official, warned that politicizing the workforce “could cripple government functions.”
Mass layoffs won’t just affect those working in D.C. Many federal employees work across the country—managing disaster relief, healthcare programs, environmental oversight, and more. If thousands are removed or replaced, Americans may notice slower or reduced services.
Experts also say that rebuilding staff, if needed later, would take years and cost billions.
Even if Trump wins, he will face major legal and political obstacles. Civil service laws are deeply rooted in American governance. Any attempt to reclassify or fire workers will likely end up in court.
Opposition from Congress, especially if Democrats control one or both chambers, could also stall Trump’s plans.
Already, advocacy groups like the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) are preparing to push back.
Trump’s proposal to lay off federal workers is not just a policy plan—it’s also a campaign promise designed to energize his base. By painting the federal workforce as a barrier to conservative change, he taps into deep frustrations among many right-wing voters.
However, this approach could also backfire. Independent and moderate voters may worry about the risks of a deeply politicized government. For some, Trump’s aggressive tone raises concerns about democratic norms and checks and balances.
Many conservatives applaud the idea. They see it as necessary to break the grip of the “deep state” and return power to elected leaders. Some are already drafting legislation to support Schedule F-style reforms.
Democrats are sharply opposed. President Biden called Schedule F “dangerous” and reversed it quickly. He and other party leaders say they will fight Trump’s attempts to implement it again.
Many are alarmed. Surveys show low morale and increased concern about job security. Some government professionals say they may leave if Trump wins and reinstates Schedule F.
If Trump wins the 2024 election, here are the key things to monitor in early 2025:
Trump’s federal worker layoff plan could mark one of the most dramatic changes to government structure in modern U.S. history. It represents a sharp turn away from decades of bipartisan support for a stable, professional civil service.
To supporters, it’s a long-overdue reform. To critics, it’s a dangerous power grab.
One thing is certain: if Trump returns to the White House, his administration will hit the ground running—and many federal workers may find themselves running out of time.
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