Donald Trump to Fire Thousands of Pentagon Employees Next Week

The Department of Defense announced Friday that it will begin cutting 5,400 probationary civilian employees next week and implementing a hiring freeze as part of a broader federal workforce reduction effort under the Trump administration.

The move follows a visit earlier this week from staffers at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who reviewed lists of probationary employees at the Pentagon, U.S. officials said. The lists did not include uniformed military personnel, who are exempt from the cuts. Probationary employees, typically on the job for less than a year, have not yet gained civil service protection.

Why It Matters

This move is part of the Trump administration's broader push to cut federal jobs, which has already led to workforce reductions at multiple agencies. The U.S. Forest Service recently cut 2,000 employees, while the Internal Revenue Service is expected to lay off 7,000 workers.

The Defense Department, the largest government agency, had over 700,000 full-time civilian employees as of 2023, according to the Government Accountability Office.

What To Know

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has supported the downsizing, writing on X last week that the Pentagon must "cut the fat (HQ) and grow the muscle (warfighters)." The Pentagon, the largest U.S. government agency, had more than 700,000 full-time civilian employees as of 2023, according to the Government Accountability Office.

The focus on probationary employees is a distinctive aspect of this reduction strategy. Probationary periods, traditionally used to assess new hires' performance and suitability, have become a focal point for implementing swift workforce reductions.

This approach has led to the dismissal of not only recent hires but also experienced employees who have transitioned into new roles and are still within their probationary periods. For instance, Warren Hill, a 20-year veteran at Lake Clark National Park, was terminated despite his extensive service, as he was considered probationary in his new position.

What People Are Saying

Darin Selnick, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, in a statement: "We anticipate reducing the Department's civilian workforce by 5-8% to produce efficiencies and refocus the Department on the President's priorities and restoring readiness in the force."

Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama said this week: "I wouldn't be against them taking it from a Pentagon to a Trigon. Cut a couple sides off of it."

What Happens Next

Hegseth has also ordered military branches to identify $50 billion in budget cuts for the upcoming fiscal year, amounting to approximately 8% of the total military budget. These cuts are intended to redirect resources to align with Trump administration priorities.

Hegseth posting on X last week that the Pentagon needs "to cut the fat (HQ) and grow the muscle (warfighters.)"

This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is available.

Reporting by The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Update: 2/21/25, 5:57 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.

Update: 2/21/25, 6:05 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.

Update: 2/21/25, 7:07 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.