Layoffs Soar to Highest Levels Since Pandemic: How Musk’s DOGE is Impacting Federal Jobs

In March 2025, a wave of job cuts in the federal government pushed overall layoffs to alarming levels. The job placement agency Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported these cuts were the second highest since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge totaled around 275,240 layoffs across various sectors, with federal furloughs alone accounting for over 216,000.

A significant portion of these cuts comes from the actions of the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. This department aims to streamline the federal workforce but has sparked considerable concern. Reports indicate that various agencies, including Veterans Affairs and the IRS, are facing massive layoffs, with estimates suggesting up to 80,000 job cuts in Veterans Affairs and 18,000 at the IRS.

It’s noteworthy that these cuts have heightened the unemployment figures in the Washington, D.C. area, which reported nearly 279,000 layoffs this year alone. Andrew Challenger, a senior VP at the firm, remarked, "Last month’s job cut announcements were driven mainly by DOGE’s plans. Otherwise, March might have been a quiet month for layoffs."

Interestingly, despite these announced layoffs, overall job data tells a different story. Weekly unemployment claims have remained stable, and while payroll growth has slowed, it remains positive. Job openings have dipped but are relatively close to pre-pandemic levels, suggesting that the labor market is adapting, albeit uneasily.

For some historical perspective, the current situation echoes patterns observed in 2020 when the pandemic led to over a million layoffs in just two months. Back then, the job market was drastically affected by sudden shutdowns. Today, while the workforce cuts are deeply concerning, many workers have adapted to the new realities of the job market, with many job seekers becoming more resilient, investing in upskilling, and pivoting toward emerging industries.

As the landscape continues to evolve, including the influence of social media and public opinion on the issue, ongoing conversations about workforce reduction and its implications for the economy will likely remain at the forefront. For those intrigued, you can explore more about labor trends and government actions through resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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