Federal Layoffs Reach Historic Levels Under DOGE Initiative

March 2025 saw over 275,000 job cuts, driven by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, marking the third-highest monthly layoffs on record.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, accounted for 216,215 layoffs in March 2025, nearly 80% of the month's total cuts.
March 2025 layoffs surged by 60% compared to February and were up 205% from March 2024, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
Year-to-date federal government layoffs in 2025 increased by 672% compared to the same period in 2024, with Washington, D.C. disproportionately affected.
Legal challenges have temporarily halted some DOGE-driven layoffs, including efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Department of Education.
The ripple effects of DOGE cuts have led to additional job losses in nonprofits and health organizations, with over 4,400 positions eliminated due to reduced federal aid and terminated contracts.