Pentagon lays off 5,400 employees

(CLO) The Pentagon announced on Friday that it will cut 5,400 jobs as part of President Donald Trump's plan to shrink the federal workforce.

The cuts, which will begin next week, represent a fraction of the 50,000 job cuts at the US Department of Defense that many had predicted.

The Pentagon will impose a hiring freeze and could cut 5% to 8% of its 950,000 civilian employees, senior official Darin Selnick said.

The Pentagon seen from above. Photo: mindfrieze

It is the latest development in a rapid reorganization of the Department of Government Efficiency led by billionaire Elon Musk, who has laid off more than 20,000 employees and dismantled a range of US government programs, from foreign aid to financial oversight.

Most of the federal employees laid off in this round were hired within the past year, meaning they are still on probation and have fewer protections under labor law. About half of those laid off live in states that voted for Trump in the 2024 election.

Asked about the backlash from voters in conservative areas, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt accused the media of focusing only on the criticism.

“There is no secret. This administration is committed to eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. The president campaigned on that promise, the American people elected him on that promise, and now he is delivering on it,” Leavitt said.

Democrats and labor unions have accused the campaign of lacking strategy and being executed in a chaotic manner. Several unions have filed lawsuits challenging the plan's legality.

Cao Phong (according to PTG, CNN, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lau-nam-goc-sa-thai-5400-nhan-vien-post335615.html