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Trump's Workforce Cuts Save Billions, Spark Controversy

1/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In his first year of a second term, U.S. President Donald Trump has reduced the federal workforce through purges.
The administration says it saved $214 billion by eliminating waste, but critics say the moves harm public service.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) lost about a quarter of its workforce, jeopardizing tax services.
A policy eliminating coverage for gender-affirming care prompted a legal complaint from affected federal employees.

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Story summary

In his first year of a second term, U.S. President Donald Trump has reduced the federal workforce through purges.
The administration says it saved $214 billion by eliminating waste, but critics say the moves harm public service.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) lost about a quarter of its workforce, jeopardizing tax services.
A policy eliminating coverage for gender-affirming care prompted a legal complaint from affected federal employees.