President Trump’s administration continues its mission to drain the swamp as thousands of Defense Department employees face termination or resignation. Yes, there’s even waste in the Defense Department.
At a glance:
• The Department of Defense has issued approximately 4,000 termination notices to employees
• Around 31,000 civilian Pentagon employees have filed resignation requests
• Officials have accepted 11,000 resignation requests so far
• Cuts primarily target probationary employees and administrative positions
• The workforce reduction supports the Department of Government Efficiency’s mission to improve operational effectiveness
Pentagon Workforce Undergoes Major Reduction
The Department of Defense has initiated a significant downsizing of its civilian workforce as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to streamline federal government operations. Approximately 4,000 DOD employees have received termination notices in what appears to be just the first phase of a larger restructuring plan.
Around 31,000 civilian Pentagon employees have submitted resignation requests, with officials accepting about 11,000 of those requests thus far. Some resignation requests were denied due to exemptions for certain critical positions that must remain filled to maintain operational readiness.
The first round of layoffs primarily targeted probationary employees across multiple agencies within the Defense Department. These employees, still in their trial periods, were identified as positions that could be eliminated with minimal disruption to essential defense operations.
🚨BREAKING: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth just announced that 5,400 Pentagon employees are getting FIRED.
"… after which we will implement a hiring freeze while we conduct a further analysis of our personnel needs, complying as always with all applicable laws." pic.twitter.com/kYaGVYIjFh
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) February 23, 2025
Defense Agencies Implement Strategic Staff Reductions
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), which manages the global supply chain for the U.S. military, laid off approximately 100 probationary employees. This move aligns with the agency’s efforts to reallocate resources according to strategic objectives and operational priorities.
Similar reductions occurred at the Defense Health Agency (DHA), though the agency restricted dismissals specifically to administrative headquarters positions. This approach ensures that medical services and direct patient care for military personnel and their families remain unaffected by the workforce reduction.
The Defense Department has not officially commented on the workforce reductions when contacted by Fox News Digital. However, the actions appear to be in direct response to guidance from the Office of the Secretary of Defense following an Executive Order to streamline operations.
Cost-Cutting Measures Support Broader Efficiency Goals
These staff reductions represent a key component of cost-cutting measures championed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The newly created department aims to identify and eliminate wasteful spending and bureaucratic inefficiencies across federal agencies.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been discussing Pentagon changes under President Trump’s leadership, including military deployments to secure the border, countering threats from China, and enhancing operational effectiveness. The workforce reduction initiative aligns with these broader strategic goals to create a more agile and efficient defense establishment.
The workforce reductions at the Pentagon exemplify the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and organizational reform. By targeting positions deemed non-essential or redundant, officials aim to create a leaner department capable of addressing national security challenges with improved efficiency and reduced overhead costs.
