The workforce at 22 major agencies fell by nearly 256,000
Reporting and findings
- documented
GAO found the combined workforce of 22 major agencies declined by nearly 256,000 employees, more than 11 percent, from December 2024 through January 2026.
- U.S. Government Accountability Office: Federal Agency Workforce Changes: Update for July 2025 to January 2026Passages and source records documenting: The workforce at 22 major agencies fell by nearly 256,000
- 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
The 11-percent contraction is the measurable footprint of the administration's dismissal, resignation, and hiring policies.
January 2026 payrolls were more than 11 percent below December 2024
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 implementing workforce policy
- Donald J. Trumppresident authorizing the administration action
Relationships in this file
- Elon Muskdrove net federal workforce contractionOffice 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
Net workforce declinenearly 256,000 people Calculation details
- Basis
- Observed
- Population
- 22 major federal agencies
- Period
- 2024-12-01 to 2026-01-31
- Method
- GAO comparison of monthly payroll counts.
- Uncertainty
- Rounded count; SBA and USAID were excluded.