GAO counted nearly 378,000 separations across 22 major agencies in 2025
Reporting and findings
- documented
GAO's payroll-data review found nearly 378,000 separations and about 127,000 hires across 22 major agencies during calendar 2025; SBA and USAID data were not included.
- U.S. Government Accountability Office: Federal Agency Workforce Changes: Update for July 2025 to January 2026Passages and source records documenting: GAO counted nearly 378,000 separations across 22 major agencies in 2025
- documented
Elon Musk was the Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work.
- The White House: President Trump participates in a press conference with departing DOGE adviser Elon MuskAppointment or biography record identifying Elon Musk as Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- documented
Russell Vought was the Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director.
- United States Senate: Roll Call Vote 37: Confirmation of Russell VoughtAppointment or biography record identifying Russell Vought as Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
Summary and current status
Hiring replaced only about one worker for every three departures, reducing institutional capacity across government.
GAO reported nearly 378,000 separations and about 127,000 hires for 2025
People and organizations
- Russell VoughtTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
- Elon MuskTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- Office of Personnel Managementcentral personnel office supporting government-wide reductions
- Donald J. Trumppresident authorizing the administration action
Relationships in this file
- Elon Muskcoordinated a workforce drive producing mass separationsOffice of Personnel Management
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE workElon Musk
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB directorRussell Vought
Figures
Federal workforce separationsnearly 378,000 people Calculation details
- Basis
- Observed
- Population
- 22 major federal agencies
- Period
- 2025-01-01 to 2025-12-31
- Method
- GAO analysis of federal payroll data.
- Uncertainty
- Rounded count; excludes SBA and USAID because comparable data were unavailable.