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US President Donald Trump On Tuesday signed an executive order that seeks to significantly reduce the size of the government by instructing heads of federal departments and agencies to undertake plans for "large-scale reductions in force."
According to Trump's order, the federal government is directed to implement department of government efficiency's "workforce optimization initiative."
DOGE head Elon Musk, who joined Trump in the Oval office with his son X said, "It's not optional to reduce federal expenses, it's essential." He also called the federal bureaucracy an "unelected, fourth, unconstitutional branch of government" that must be held accountable
“The people voted for major government reform and that’s what the people are going to get,” he said. “That’s what democracy is all about,” he added.
White House Fact sheet said that after the executive order, agencies will undertake plans for large-scale reductions in force and determine which agency components (or agencies themselves) may be eliminated or combined because their functions aren’t required by law.
It also said that agencies should “hire no more than one employee for every four employees that depart from federal service.” There are plans for exceptions when it comes to immigration, law enforcement and public safety.
Trump and Musk are pushing federal workers to resign in return for financial incentives, although their plan is currently on hold while a judge reviews its legality.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people gathered for a rally Tuesday across the street from the US Capitol in support of federal workers.
Several federal employees have agreed to take up the Trump administration's severance package, which includes eight months' worth of salary and benefits for leaving their government positions.
Working alongside Musk, President Trump has been eager to substantially restructure and reduce the size of the federal government. Some critics dispute the legality of these severance offers, arguing that such a significant staff reduction would require congressional approval.
