Trump Administration Plans Major Cuts: Thousands of Jobs Set for Elimination in Pentagon and IRS

Getty Images The current administration is implementing job cuts affecting more than 11,000 employees within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Pentagon as part of its ongoing efforts aimed at downsizing the federal workforce.

Approximately 6,000 layoffs at the IRS commenced on Thursday amidst tax season when millions of Americans are filing their returns. The Department of Defense plans to terminate over 5,000 jobs next week in an attempt to reduce its massive civilian workforce by between 5% and 8%, according to a statement released by the Pentagon on Friday. Additionally, it will put a hiring freeze into place.

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) has been appointed by the Trump administration to oversee these layoffs as part of an ongoing cost-cutting drive. According to an email seen by CBS News and BBCs US partner, probationary workers at the IRS deemed “not critical” for tax filing season are among those expected to lose their jobs.

The majority of Americans have until April 15th to file their taxes; however, extensions may be granted under certain circumstances. Probationary employees typically work less than a year on a job or move into new positions within the organization. The IRS and Treasury Department were contacted by BBC for comment.

Reports suggest that the terminations will primarily target new hires and recently promoted employees, with around half of these cuts hitting the Small Business/Self-Employed (SBSE) Division. Lia Colbert, SBSE Commissioner, stated in an email that “over 3,500 probationary SB/SE hires may be terminated by the end of this week” as details continue to develop.

As of fiscal year 2023, approximately 83,000 individuals worked for the IRS. The roles being targeted appear to involve compliance matters or ensuring that Americans pay their taxes accurately. Linda Bilmes, a professor at Harvard Kennedy School, told BBC: “What people like even less than paying taxes is not being able to reach someone who can help them file correctly.”

The Biden administration had secured $80 billion in funding for new resources and staff at the IRS to increase government revenue. However, this effort was opposed by Republicans, who typically advocate lower taxes and have historically targeted the IRS for budget cuts.

During an interview on Fox News, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that Trump’s goal is “to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and let all outsiders pay.” The president has proposed an “External Revenue Service” to generate revenue from tariffs, or taxes on foreign imports, instead. Firing Pentagon workers began with about 5,400 probationary employees next week followed by a hiring freeze.

However, these job losses may not be the last. According to a statement released by the Department of Defense: “We anticipate reducing our civilian workforce by 5-8% in order to improve efficiency and focus on the President’s priorities while restoring readiness among military personnel.” As Americas largest government agency with about 950,000 employees, The Pentagon has a significant number of civilians. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth supported these cuts last week via social media.

A recent Washington Post/Ipsos poll indicates that some Americans are not pleased with Trump’s management of the federal workforce. According to the survey conducted by IPSOS, 54% disapproved while only 46% approved.