The Trump administration has decided to cut jobs for dozens of technology specialists who worked on important projects for the government. This includes work on the IRS’s free tax filing software and passport services. The specialists were part of a unit called 18F, which is under the General Services Administration (GSA). Their main job was to create software and tech products that helped federal agencies work better and serve the public more effectively.
In an email sent to staff over the weekend, Thomas Shedd, the director of the division, announced that 18F was deemed noncritical and would be eliminated. Shedd, who previously worked as an engineer at Tesla, mentioned that this decision came from the highest levels of the administration and the GSA. He noted that while other programs within the Technology Transformation Services were not affected this time, there could be more changes ahead.
Employees received termination letters on Friday, informing them that their jobs would end as part of President Trump’s plan to reduce the size of the government. Until their official release at the end of April, these workers have been placed on administrative leave.
This move has raised concerns about the future of technology services in the government and how it might impact citizens who rely on these services. The elimination of 18F could slow down progress in improving government efficiency and innovation.