Federal Workforce Changes and FedScope Update
The Trump administration’s initiative to streamline the federal government has significantly reduced the federal workforce, according to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). As of March 31, 2025, the workforce decreased by about 23,000 employees, dropping from 2,313,216 in September 2024 to 2,289,472. This reduction aligns with the administration’s goal of a more efficient government, with agencies like the IRS experiencing a 26% staff cut, raising concerns about readiness for the 2026 tax season. Legal challenges have delayed some reductions, with court orders maintaining tens of thousands of employees on payroll pending further rulings.
The Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), launched in January 2025, is accelerating workforce reductions by offering voluntary separation with pay and benefits through September 30, 2025, to minimize involuntary terminations. OPM projects “hundreds of thousands” of employees may depart by October 2025. The first wave saw 75,000 employees (roughly 4% of the workforce) opt in, below the White House’s 5–10% goal. A second wave showed higher participation, with the Department of Agriculture reporting 16,000 opt-ins (16% of its staff) and the Department of Defense approving nearly 21,000 applications. Total separations may reach 100,000 to 200,000, though 24,000 employees reinstated through legal actions could adjust these numbers.
To enhance transparency in tracking these changes, OPM is upgrading FedScope, its platform for federal employment data, with a relaunch scheduled for fall 2025. Building on a 2023 data enhancement effort, the revamped FedScope will offer interactive visuals, detailed datasets, and intuitive tools to address workforce-related queries. Despite the elimination of OPM’s Human Capital Data Management and Modernization office, this update aims to deliver clear, accessible metrics to support informed decision-making during the ongoing workforce restructuring.
For those affected by layoffs or concerned about future reductions, understanding post-separation benefits is crucial. Speaking with a Federal Retirement Consultant (FRC®) can provide clarity on your unique federal benefits and help you plan for the future.
