Record Layoff Surge: DOGE-Driven Cuts Hit Federal Workforce, Fueling Economic Fears
March 2025 witnessed a near-record high in announced layoffs, driven primarily by the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) federal job cuts, exceeding all months except April and May 2020. The 275,240 total reductions included 216,215 federal furloughs, a 672% year-over-year increase. While other employment metrics remain relatively stable, the Washington D.C. area experienced a substantial impact, with 278,711 announced layoffs year-to-date. Agencies like the Veterans Affairs, IRS, and Treasury are projected to experience significant further job losses.