The Trump administration is implementing significant cuts targeting the federal workforce, with newly hired employees in probationary status being the initial focus of terminations. Various agencies, including Veterans Affairs, the Department of Energy, and the Small Business Administration, are affected by these measures aimed at reducing government spending. The administration’s cost-cutting efforts are overseen by DOGE, a governmental efficiency unit led by Elon Musk. Federal employee compensation constituted around 3% of the 2024 fiscal year federal budget.

Probationary employees, who undergo a trial period before potential full-time employment, are at risk of being let go without the usual employee rights afforded to permanent employees. While probationary employees are entitled to a termination notice specifying the reason for their dismissal, they have limited rights to appeal or severance. However, if a termination is related to a protected characteristic or activity, such as discrimination or whistleblowing, legal challenges can be pursued.

The American Federation of Government Employees, representing over 800,000 civil servants, plans to contest the dismissals of probationary workers. AFGE President Everett Kelley affirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting impacted employees, pursuing legal remedies, and holding the administration accountable for its actions. The exact scale of terminations affecting hundreds of thousands of probationary employees remains uncertain, highlighting the potential impact on the federal workforce.