The Pentagon has announced a large-scale reduction of its civilian workforce, beginning with the dismissal of 5,400 employees currently on probation. The total number of layoffs could eventually reach tens of thousands.
According to a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, the agency plans to reduce its civilian personnel by 5–8% as part of an effort to optimize operations and align staffing levels with the political priorities of the Trump administration.
Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Darin Selnick, explained that these measures are aimed at improving the department’s efficiency and restoring the combat readiness of the armed forces.
We cannot afford to retain employees whose contributions are not critically essential to our mission. Taxpayers deserve a thorough review of our personnel to eliminate redundant positions, Selnick emphasized.
In addition to the layoffs, the Pentagon is also freezing the hiring of new civilian employees until the assessment of military personnel needs is complete.
Earlier, it was reported that U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the dismissal of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Brown, who had been appointed to the position less than two years ago, in September 2023. Further personnel changes are expected among other senior military officials whose statements have previously contradicted the Trump administration’s policies.
