Story perspectives

Pentagon Cuts 110k Civilians, Lacks Justification, Morale Falls

6/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported the Pentagon cut 78,000 civilian jobs in 2025—a reduction of 10 percent that rose to 110,000 civilians, 14 percent, by the time Secretary Pete Hegseth took office.
The Pentagon did not give Congress justifications for agencies, including the Joint Staff, and has no timeline.
A Partnership for Public Service survey found 9 percent of Army employees felt motivated by Secretary Hegseth’s leadership, lowest rating.

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Story summary

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported the Pentagon cut 78,000 civilian jobs in 2025—a reduction of 10 percent that rose to 110,000 civilians, 14 percent, by the time Secretary Pete Hegseth took office.
The Pentagon did not give Congress justifications for agencies, including the Joint Staff, and has no timeline.
A Partnership for Public Service survey found 9 percent of Army employees felt motivated by Secretary Hegseth’s leadership, lowest rating.