Since Trump took office about nine months ago, how many federal workers have lost their job?

Starters
Written By Jonathan Milner

Last updated May 12, 2025

Critical Analysis

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:

  1. Since he came to office, the Trump administration has worked to shrink the size of the federal government work force. According to the visual above, by May 12, 2025, how many federal workers had lost their jobs?

  2. According to the visual above, by May 12, 2025 about how many federal workers already taken buyouts and left work?

  3. Federal government workers include: civilian government workers, members of the military, people who work for NASA or the FBI, and workers of government enterprises like the US Postal Service or Amtrak. Do you personally know or interact with people who work for the federal government?

  4. Based on the visual below* what agency or department has had the largest portion of its workforce cut?

  5. Based on the visual below* what portion of the education department has been cut?

  6. How do you think these massive cuts in the federal government will impact you?

  7. Congress has the power to create federal departments and agencies and only congress can delete a department or agency. Why do you think Trump and DOGE fired 99% of the workers at USAID and Voice of America (see chart below*) instead of 100% of them?

  8. This year, about 1,300 workers were being cut at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, amounting to 10% of its total staff. The CDC's mission is to protect the health, safety, and security of Americans by preventing and controlling infectious diseases, other health conditions, and injuries, and by promoting health and wellness. This involves conducting research, providing information, and responding to outbreaks and other public health emergencies. One of the most crucial jobs of the CDC is Detecting and responding to emerging health threats such as but not limited to COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, mpox, and bird flu, Ebola, and emerging pandemics. Male a claim about how CDC cuts will impact American health.

  9. The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution reads, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Explain how the large cuts to the federal workforce impact the promise of the Preamble.

  10. With a looming government shutdown President Donald Trump’s administration has threatened to permanently remove workers from some federal agencies if funding runs out next week. Why do you think Donald J. Trump is making such drastic cuts to the government?

Write and Discuss

Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.

Act on your Learning

Contact President Trump and tell him whether he should work to increase or decrease the number of federal employees.

Get Creative

Write a rap about cutting and gutting the U.S. government.

Learning Extension*

Check out all the USA Facts charts and visuals about American government workers.

High Five AP Government & Politics Exam Review Updated for 2026

Glossary

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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