The first half of 2025 has seen widespread job losses across both the public and private sectors. Government agencies, driven by a new push for efficiency under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have slashed thousands of positions. At the same time, corporations from technology to manufacturing have announced large-scale reductions to control costs and adapt to shifting markets. The impact of these cuts is felt not only by the employees directly affected but also by the communities and customers who rely on their work. This article examines the major federal layoffs under DOGE, totalling nearly 100,000 roles, and then turns to the hundreds of thousands more trimmed by private companies, from Amazon and Boeing to startups like Bluevine and Carousell.
Department of Education (1,900 Employees)
The Department of Education moved to cut nearly half of its 4,400-person staff under DOGE’s mandate. A formal reduction in force eliminated 1,300 roles, while 600 additional employees opted for voluntary departures with incentive packages. The cuts targeted a mix of administrative and program support positions. Critics warn that fewer staff will hinder the department’s ability to manage student aid and address discrimination claims. Protests erupted outside department offices in Washington and regional centres. Education advocates argue that reducing capacity now could lead to longer processing times for grants and complaints, delaying crucial support for students.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) (5,600 Employees)
Early in 2025, the USDA discharged 5,600 workers, most of them probationary or deemed non-essential under efficiency guidelines. Among those let go were 3,400 Forest Service staff and 1,200 Natural Resources Conservation Service employees. These cuts disrupted research on crop yields and conservation outreach. In some cases, positions tied to avian influenza monitoring were later reinstated when outbreaks highlighted the need for expertise. Local governments and conservation groups have decried the abrupt terminations as shortsighted, pointing to the extra costs of rehiring for emergency response roles. The USDA now seeks to rely on contracting and seasonal hires, raising concerns about continuity in long-term research.
Department of Veterans Affairs (80,000 Proposed)
The VA faces the largest proposed reductions, with up to 80,000 positions on the chopping block. This plan, still subject to legal review, would eliminate roles labelled as probationary or non-critical. Veterans’ service organisations have raised alarms, citing potential delays in medical appointments and benefit processing. Lawsuits filed by unions have already forced the agency to reverse several terminations, but the overall threat remains. The VA’s leadership insists that core medical staff and critical care roles will be protected. Still, veterans waiting months for claims decisions worry that even minor cuts could leave them without timely access to health services.
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The first half of 2025 has seen widespread job losses across both the public and private sectors.
