President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at reducing the federal workforce and eliminating a number of federal advisory committees. The order, issued on Wednesday, is part of an ongoing effort by Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, to streamline government operations and cut unnecessary spending.
The executive order specifically targets several organizations that have received federal funding, including the Presidio Trust and the United States Institute of Peace. These entities have been given 14 days to report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director, confirming compliance with the order and justifying their continued existence.
In a related move, Trump signed another order earlier in the week directing DOGE to implement significant staffing reductions across federal agencies. This mandate requires agencies to limit new hires to one for every four employees who leave their positions, effectively shrinking the size of the federal workforce. Agencies are also instructed to develop plans for large-scale layoffs and evaluate the necessity of various functions within their operations.
The Trump administration argues that these actions are essential to saving taxpayer dollars and reducing wasteful government spending. By cutting back on advisory committees and federal staff, the administration aims to focus government efforts more effectively and address inflation concerns.
The executive orders come amid a broader context of government reform, as Trump has consistently positioned himself as a president dedicated to "draining the swamp" and eliminating ineffective programs. He emphasized the need for cooperation from the judicial system to carry out these reforms, expressing hope that courts will support his initiatives.
As the administration moves forward with these cuts, federal workers are reportedly experiencing anxiety over job security, reflecting the broader implications of Trump’s aggressive approach to government downsizing. The impact of these changes on federal operations and services remains to be seen, but the administration is committed to pursuing its agenda of reducing the federal bureaucracy.