INTERNATIONAL: Trump Slashes 20,000 IRS Jobs in Bold Cost-Cutting Move
Revenue Service Faces Major Overhaul
The Trump administration is pushing forward with sweeping reforms in the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), targeting a 20-25% staff reduction as part of broader government cost-cutting efforts.
This reorganization will see approximately 20,000 jobs eliminated, with the Civil Rights Office bearing the initial brunt, losing 75% of its workforce. IRS officials have begun notifying employees via email, signaling a phased rollout of these layoffs.
Civil Rights Office Hit Hardest
The Civil Rights Office within the IRS is set to be drastically downsized, with the majority of its staff facing immediate layoffs. Remaining employees will be reassigned to a separate division, as outlined in internal communications. This move aligns with the administration’s directive to streamline operations across federal agencies.
Federal Workforce Already Shrinking
The IRS cuts follow a pattern of aggressive job reductions, with 200,000 federal workers already let go under Trump’s cost-saving initiatives. The administration’s strategy includes targeting multiple sectors, with the Revenue Department now in the crosshairs. These efforts aim to reduce the overall size of the U.S. government workforce significantly.
Health Department Also Targeted
Recently, the Trump administration turned its focus to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the elimination of 10,000 jobs. This reduction, shrinking the workforce from 82,000 to 62,000, is projected to save $1.8 billion annually. The move reflects a consistent push to trim federal spending.
Buyouts Offered as Incentive
To accelerate workforce reduction, the administration has rolled out a buyout program, offering eight months’ salary to employees who voluntarily resign. Emails detailing this option were sent to 2 million federal workers, with an estimated potential savings of $100 billion annually if widely adopted. The initiative has already seen 75,000 workers opt in, according to reports.
Economic Implications on the Horizon
These sweeping layoffs are poised to reshape government operations, with the IRS overhaul potentially impacting tax collection efficiency and civil rights enforcement. Critics warn of long-term consequences, while the administration touts the measures as essential for fiscal responsibility. The full scope of these reforms continues to unfold as implementation progresses.