<h1>Trump Administration Cuts Federal Workforce; Layoffs Begin in Education, Veterans Affairs, and Agriculture Departments</h1> The Trump administration has initiated significant reductions in the federal workforce by laying off probationary employees without civil service protection, potentially impacting hundreds of thousands. This move, driven by the Office of Personnel Management, aligns with President Trump's executive order for large-scale workforce cuts. Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency, supports eliminating entire agencies to reduce government spending. Critics argue these layoffs undermine government capacity and won't significantly affect the deficit. Departments like Education, Veterans Affairs, and Agriculture are already experiencing layoffs, raising concerns about research disruptions and food safety. Future cuts are expected in various agencies, including the National Science Foundation and Housing and Urban Development.