More than 352,000 federal employees have left the system since Donald Trump took office. There has been no corresponding replacement.
Data shows the federal workforce has now shrunk to its lowest level since 1966, a notable statistic released as the 2026 State of the Union address set new records for speech length.
The workforce reduction is due to several factors:
- Layoffs during restructuring
- Voluntary resignations
- Mass retirements
- Non-replacement policies
Charts from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via the FRED system show a continuous downward trend, with a particularly sharp drop from late 2025 into early 2026.
This trend reflects a major shift in federal government operations, alongside efforts to clean up the system as President Trump calls for a ban on stock trading in Congress. This significant reduction in personnel is happening even as major housing and infrastructure projects are still being actively discussed in Washington.
