WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Trump administration has initiated layoffs of over 11,000 federal employees at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Pentagon, intensifying efforts to reduce government spending. The move, spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), raises concerns about operational strain during tax season and national defense readiness.
Key Details of the Job Cuts
- IRS Layoffs: 6,000 probationary employees began receiving termination notices Thursday. The cuts coincide with tax season, as millions file returns ahead of the 15 April deadline.
Pentagon Cuts: Over 5,000 civilian jobs will be eliminated next week, with a hiring freeze imposed. The Defense Department aims to reduce its 1 million-strong civilian workforce by 5–8%. - Doge’s Role: Musk’s agency is tasked with streamlining federal operations, citing “non-critical” roles in justifying the IRS cuts.
An internal IRS email obtained by CBS News stated affected workers were “not deemed critical to filing season.” Critics argue the timing risks delaying tax refunds and audits.
Impact on Tax Season and Defense Operations
IRS Challenges:
- Staff reductions could slow processing of returns, customer service, and fraud detection.
- The agency already faces backlogs from pandemic-era stimulus programs.
- Taxpayers needing extensions or assistance may face longer wait times.
Pentagon Concerns:
- Civilian roles in logistics, procurement, and cybersecurity are at risk.
- Military leaders warn cuts could hamper maintenance, recruitment, and tech modernization.
- A 2023 Government Accountability Office report noted existing staffing shortages in defense supply chains.
Political and Public Reaction
- Democrats: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the cuts “reckless,” warning of “chaos” during tax season and weakened national security.
- Republicans: Supporters argue trimming bureaucracy aligns with Trump’s pledge to reduce federal spending.
- Unions: The National Treasury Employees Union vows legal action, claiming the IRS layoffs violate labor agreements.
Historical Context and Precedents
Federal workforce reductions are rare during peak operational periods. Past examples include:
- 2013 Sequester: Automatic cuts slashed IRS funding, leading to longer call wait times and reduced audits.
- 2020 Pandemic Hiring Freeze: Delayed stimulus checks and tax refunds for millions.
Musk’s Doge has drawn parallels to Trump’s 2017 hiring freeze, which agencies later reversed due to operational crises.
What’s Next?
- The IRS expects to process 160 million tax returns this season. Watchdogs warn staffing cuts may extend processing times beyond the current 21-day average.
- The Pentagon must submit a detailed reduction plan to Congress by March. Lawmakers from both parties demand transparency on affected roles.
Legal challenges could delay or modify the layoffs, particularly at the IRS.
