Trump budget proposes dramatic 107,000 federal job cuts for FY2026

The Trump administration’s fiscal 2026 budget proposes cutting more than 107,000 nondefense federal employees—a 7 percent reduction across government—as detailed in new documents released last week, reports GovExec. These cuts, which would hit almost every agency, are part of President Trump’s ongoing drive for a leaner federal workforce. However, many of the reductions remain on hold due to ongoing legal challenges and a pending Supreme Court review.

The Department of Education faces the steepest cut, with plans to lay off a third of its employees. These layoffs are currently paused under court injunction. Other agencies bracing for significant staff reductions include the Office of Personnel Management, General Services Administration, Small Business Administration, and NASA, which plans to halve its Science office and close its STEM Engagement office.

The Department of Agriculture expects to cut more than 20 percent of its workforce, including deep reductions at the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Forest Service. The National Park Service may lose 27 percent of its staff, while the US Geological Survey could see a 32 percent reduction.

An exception is the Department of Transportation, which projects workforce growth—especially at the Federal Aviation Administration—while the Department of Homeland Security will shift staff into immigration enforcement even as it plans major layoffs at FEMA and TSA.

Other major cuts include the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of Labor, each set to reduce staff by more than a fifth. Agencies like Veterans Affairs and Defense are preparing additional large reductions not yet detailed in budget documents.

While proponents argue the cuts boost efficiency, critics warn vital services could suffer. Congressional approval is needed for many of the proposals, leaving thousands of jobs and services in limbo.