As part of ongoing efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to cut the number of federal employees, the Pentagon has announced plans to reduce its civilian workforce by at least five per cent starting next week.
The move will primarily target probationary workers, with an estimated 5,400 positions to be eliminated initially.
Darin Selnick, who is performing the duties of undersecretary of defence for personnel and readiness, stated that the reductions are intended to create efficiencies and realign the department’s focus with President Trump’s priorities, including restoring readiness within the military.
Reports also reveal that in addition to the layoffs, the Pentagon will also implement a hiring freeze as officials conduct further analysis of its staffing needs.
In a video message, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasised that the cuts would target employees whose roles are deemed non-essential to the department’s mission.
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