Trump and Musk Kick Off Massive Federal Employee Layoffs

USUnited States|

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have initiated a significant wave of layoffs affecting federal employees, targeting about 200,000 workers during an unprecedented period of job cuts. This comes after approximately 75,000 employees opted for voluntary separation incentives, which fell short of the administration's goals, as reported by the Associated Press on February 14, 2025.

The layoffs primarily affect federal employees on probationary status or with less than a year of service, as directed by a recent executive order. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) criticized the action, claiming it is politically motivated and undermines the integrity of the federal workforce. AFGE President Everett Kelley stated that the layoffs ignore performance issues and violate fair employment principles.

According to government data, approximately 220,000 workers had less than one year of tenure as of March 2024. The layoffs have resulted in abrupt terminations, with some employees receiving notifications via pre-recorded messages. Critics, including Senator Patty Murray, warn that such cuts will hinder vital functions within federal agencies and harm essential services.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United States

US Funding Cuts to Gavi Could Lead to Over a Million Deaths, Warns Vaccine Alliance CEO

The CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has warned that the United States' decision to cut funding could result in over a million avoidable deaths globally. Sania Nishtar stated that a lack of support from the US, which currently contributes approximately 25% of Gavi's budget, would pose a serious threat to global health security, jeopardizing vaccination efforts against diseases like measles, tuberculosis, and Ebola. According to the New York Times, this funding cut was part of a broader reduction in foreign aid announced by the Trump administration. Nishtar emphasized that Gavi has not received a formal termination notice from the government and is actively seeking to secure $300 million approved by Congress for its operations in 2025. Health experts, including Professor Jennifer Nuzzo from Brown University, criticized the funding cuts as "mind-bogglingly short-sighted," noting that investment in vaccination programs is crucial for preventing costly outbreaks. Gavi plays a vital role in vaccinating over half of the world’s children against infectious diseases, underscoring the importance of continued support.
USUnited States

Miraculous Rescue: Pilot and Two Children Survive Plane Crash in Alaska

A pilot and two children managed to survive nearly 12 hours on the wing of a sinking aircraft after it crashed into Tustumena Lake in Alaska on March 24, 2025. The small plane, a Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser, was nearly submerged, with only parts of the wing and rudder visible above the icy water, according to the Independent. The trio was rescued thanks to local pilot Terry Godes, who spotted them while searching the area after seeing a Facebook post requesting help. Godes reported seeing "three people on top of the wing," prompting him to alert other pilots for assistance. Dale Eicher, another pilot, relayed the survivors' coordinates to the Alaska National Guard, who responded immediately. The survivors were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Alaska State Troopers confirmed the group faced brutal overnight conditions with temperatures dropping into the 20s Fahrenheit (-6 to -1 °C). The cause of the crash is under investigation, with Tustumena Lake known for its sudden and powerful winds, presenting hazards for both planes and boats.
USUnited States

Ancient Footprints in New Mexico Rewrite Human History in North America

Researchers in New Mexico have discovered ancient footprints that are believed to be over 23,000 years old, significantly predating previous estimates by more than a decade. According to a study published in the journal Science, the footprints, located in White Sands National Park, showcase early human life during the Last Glacial Maximum and provide invaluable insights into the social activities of prehistoric peoples. The initial estimation of the footprints' origin was around 13,000 years ago; however, a study by U.S. Geological Survey researchers in 2021 used radiocarbon dating to confirm the new age. The latest research reinforced these findings by correlating the footprints' dating with fossilized pine pollen found in the same sediment layer. Sally Reynolds, a paleoecologist at Bournemouth University, acknowledged the footprints as a remarkable window into ancient human interactions and lifestyles. Matthew Bennett, also from Bournemouth University, noted various activities depicted in the footprints, including children playing and adults hunting. The team's ambitious goal is to uncover further evidence that might shed more light on the lives of early Americans.
USUnited States
All United States News ->