Since the commencement of his new presidency, the Trump administration has initiated a series of actions aimed at significantly reshaping the federal government.
These efforts, exemplified by changes at the Voice of America (VOA), the Department of Education (DOE), and reported workforce reductions, have extended across numerous agencies, raising concerns about the operational capacity and long-term effectiveness of the federal bureaucracy. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the reported impacts on various federal agencies during this period.
A central driver of the administration’s agenda has been the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by Elon Musk . This initiative was founded with the stated objectives of enhancing service delivery, increasing productivity, achieving a substantial reduction in the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions by eliminating non-essential roles, decreasing the government’s real estate footprint, and ultimately reducing the overall budget . Musk’s involvement signals a highly centralized approach to government downsizing, with a figure from outside traditional government wielding considerable influence over agency restructuring . His public pronouncements have included discussions about government efficiency and even the potential privatization of programs such as Social Security .
DOGE’s operational methods have included identifying functions deemed “statutorily mandated,” encouraging federal employees to take early retirement or voluntary separation through programs like VERA and VSIP, and implementing more direct reductions in force (RIFs) . Furthermore, significant reductions in the government’s real estate holdings have been planned, encompassing the potential closure of Social Security Administration buildings and IRS taxpayer assistance centers across the nation . The creation of DOGE and the prominent role of a political appointee like Musk in overseeing these widespread changes suggest a potentially rapid and disruptive transformation of the federal landscape. This centralized control raises questions about the extent to which decisions are based on objective assessments of agency effectiveness versus alignment with the administration’s specific vision of government efficiency .
One of the most prominent examples of the administration’s actions has been directed at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and its primary broadcasting entity, the Voice of America (VOA) . An executive order issued by President Trump mandated a reduction in the functions of USAGM and several other agencies to the minimum required by law . Following this order, the director of VOA reported that virtually the entire staff of approximately 1300 employees was placed on paid administrative leave . This action marked a significant disruption for an organization with an 83-year history of broadcasting news and information globally .
In addition to the staff reductions at VOA, the administration also terminated grants to other entities under the USAGM umbrella, such as Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty . Furthermore, contracts that allowed VOA to utilize content from independent news organizations, including The Associated Press, were canceled . Adding to the changes, Kari Lake, a vocal supporter of President Trump, was appointed as a senior advisor to the agency and emphasized cost-cutting measures, including efforts to break the lease on VOA’s Washington, D.C., office building .
The mission of VOA has historically been to promote freedom and democracy by providing objective and balanced news to audiences in countries where media freedom is limited . The drastic actions taken by the administration have drawn strong criticism from press freedom advocacy groups, such as Reporters Without Borders, who condemned the move as a departure from the U.S.’s role as a defender of free information . Concerns were also voiced by the directors of VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, who warned that silencing these news sources would be detrimental to U.S. interests and a benefit to its adversaries . Reports indicated that some VOA services even resorted to playing music due to the sudden lack of programming . The dismantling of USAGM and VOA represents a considerable setback for U.S. soft power and its capacity to counter authoritarian narratives on a global scale. By diminishing these outlets, the administration risks creating an information void that could be filled by state-sponsored media from nations like Russia and China, potentially weakening U.S. influence and undermining the promotion of democratic values worldwide .
The Department of Education (DOE) has also been subject to significant restructuring, with plans announced to reduce its workforce by nearly 50% . This substantial cut involves the layoff of over 1300 employees, in addition to several hundred others who accepted deferred resignation agreements . Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated that these reductions reflect the department’s commitment to efficiency and ensuring that resources are directed towards students, parents, and teachers . Notably, department offices in Washington, D.C., and regional offices were temporarily closed for “security reasons” around the time these announcements were made .
The DOE plays a critical role in numerous aspects of the U.S. education system, including disbursing billions in student loans, operating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), providing funding for disadvantaged students through programs like Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), overseeing the Pell Grant program, and enforcing civil rights laws in education . Former Education Secretary John King expressed serious concerns about the potential harm to these essential programs and the students who depend on them, highlighting the potential damage to the country’s economic future . Furthermore, contracts related to crucial education research have been reportedly canceled . Secretary McMahon herself issued a memo with the subject line “Our Department’s Final Mission,” suggesting a broader plan to eventually dissolve the agency . The drastic workforce reduction and the stated intention to dismantle the DOE indicate a move towards decentralizing education policy and significantly diminishing the federal government’s role in this vital sector. Such a shift could lead to increased disparities in educational standards and resources across different states, potentially worsening existing inequalities . The significant reduction in the DOE’s workforce also raises concerns about the agency’s ability to effectively manage its numerous critical functions, potentially leading to delays, reduced oversight, and negative consequences for millions of students and families .
Beyond specific agencies, the Trump administration has also reportedly implemented mass firings of probationary federal employees across a wide range of government entities. Estimates suggest that at least 24,000 probationary employees have been terminated since the beginning of the new presidency . These firings have affected agencies including the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, and Treasury . The administration has maintained that these dismissals were due to performance issues .
However, these mass firings have faced legal challenges from labor unions and states, which argued that the terminations were unlawful due to procedural flaws and a lack of individualized performance assessments . Federal judges in California and Maryland issued court orders requiring the administration to temporarily reinstate the fired workers . In many cases, these reinstated employees were placed on paid administrative leave . The administration has appealed these court rulings . The widespread firings of probationary employees, many of whom reportedly had positive performance evaluations, raise concerns about the potential for the administration to bypass civil service protections for political motivations. The broad justification of “performance issues” has been questioned, suggesting a potential disregard for due process and the rights of federal employees . Even temporary firings and subsequent administrative leave can significantly disrupt the operations of federal agencies, leading to a loss of valuable expertise and institutional knowledge .
Table 1: Agencies Involved in Mass Probationary Employee Firings (as of March 2025)
| Agency | Estimated Impact |
|---|---|
| Veterans Affairs | Significant number fired |
| Agriculture | Significant number fired |
| Defense | Significant number fired |
| Energy | Significant number fired |
| Interior | Significant number fired |
| Treasury | Significant number fired |
| Commerce | Included in reinstatement order |
| Education | Included in reinstatement order |
| Health and Human Services | Included in reinstatement order |
| Homeland Security | Included in reinstatement order |
| Housing and Urban Development | Included in reinstatement order |
| Labor | Included in reinstatement order |
| Transportation | Included in reinstatement order |
| Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | Included in reinstatement order |
| Environmental Protection Agency | Included in reinstatement order |
| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation | Included in reinstatement order |
| General Services Administration | Included in reinstatement order |
| Social Security Administration | Included in reinstatement order |
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has also reportedly faced near-closure due to the DOGE initiative, with most of its contracts allegedly canceled . Secretary of State Rubio stated that over 80% of USAID’s programs were eliminated . This included a freeze on foreign assistance funding and the termination of thousands of aid contracts, impacting various global development and human rights initiatives, such as those in Morocco . The UN World Food Program even closed its southern Africa office as a direct consequence of USAID cuts . These drastic cuts to USAID signify a major shift away from the U.S.’s historical role in international development and humanitarian aid, potentially harming vulnerable populations and allowing other global powers to increase their influence .
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is also slated for significant changes, with plans to cut approximately 7,000 jobs and close six of its ten regional offices under the oversight of DOGE . These cuts could significantly affect the nearly 69 million Americans who receive Social Security benefits, potentially causing payment disruptions and even the elimination of telephone support services . Concerns have been raised about longer wait times and reduced access to services for seniors and individuals with disabilities . The proposed elimination of telephone support for claims processing and direct-deposit transactions further underscores the potential impact on beneficiaries . Such cuts to the SSA, a cornerstone of the social safety net, raise serious concerns about reduced access to essential services for vulnerable populations .
The General Services Administration (GSA) has also experienced employee firings, including the elimination of its technology unit, the 18F office, and the termination of all GSA employees in Nevada . A broader reduction in force is also planned across the agency . Given the GSA’s crucial role in government technology, procurement, and real estate, these cuts could negatively impact the efficiency and technological capabilities of other federal agencies .
Furthermore, an executive order issued on March 14, 2025, targeted seven additional federal agencies for significant cuts or potential elimination . These include:
- The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which plays a vital role in conflict management and labor-management relations . Reducing its capacity could lead to an increase in unresolved labor disputes.
- The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, a nonpartisan think tank focused on global issues . Cuts could diminish the availability of independent policy research.
- The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which supports libraries and museums nationwide . Eliminating the IMLS would jeopardize federal funding for these institutions, potentially limiting access to cultural and educational resources.
- The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), which leads the federal effort to prevent and end homelessness . Dismantling USICH could hinder national efforts to address homelessness.
- The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund), which supports community development in underserved areas . Scaling back the CDFI Fund could reduce access to capital in disadvantaged communities.
- The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), which promotes the growth of minority-owned businesses . Eliminating the MBDA could hinder the advancement of minority entrepreneurs.
Other agencies mentioned in the research include the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has a significant employee reduction target , the Federal Executive Institute, which was eliminated , and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which the administration is actively working to shutter .
In conclusion, the Trump administration’s policies have reportedly led to widespread changes across the federal government, characterized by significant staff reductions, budget cuts, and the targeting of numerous agencies for restructuring or elimination. These actions, driven in part by the Department of Government Efficiency, have impacted agencies involved in international broadcasting, education, social security, foreign aid, and various domestic programs. The long-term consequences of these changes for the functioning of the government, the delivery of public services, and the United States’ role on the global stage remain to be fully seen, but the reported scale and scope of these dismantling efforts suggest a substantial reshaping of the federal landscape.