The Trump administration has issued a memorandum outlining plans for large-scale reductions in the federal workforce Wednesday night. The document provides guidance to executive departments and agencies on developing Agency RIF (Reduction in Force) and Reorganization Plans (ARRPs).

Memos from the President are typically issued by government agencies or departments to provide guidance, instructions, or clarifications on implementing policies or executive orders.

Key points of the memorandum include:

• Workforce Optimization Initiative: President Trump’s executive order aims to “eliminate waste, bloat, and insularity” in the federal bureaucracy.
• Two-Phase Approach: Agencies are required to submit Phase 1 ARRPs by March 13, 2025, focusing on initial cuts and reductions. Phase 2 plans, due by April 14, 2025, will outline a vision for more efficient agency operations.
• Significant Downsizing: The plan calls for a “significant reduction” in full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, with agencies instructed to use various tools including hiring freezes, attrition, and large-scale RIFs.
• Service Delivery Focus: Agencies providing direct services to citizens, such as Social Security and Medicare, must certify that implementation will positively affect service delivery.
• Reorganization and Consolidation: The memo suggests the potential elimination or consolidation of agency subcomponents and relocation of offices from Washington, D.C. to less costly areas.

According to Reuters, over 9,500 federal employees have already lost their jobs as part of the Trump administration’s sweeping workforce reduction initiative. Additionally, approximately 75,000 employees have accepted voluntary buyouts.