In February 2025, the Trump Administration made widespread job cuts within the IRS on the recommendation of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut unnecessary federal spending. Now, rumors are circulating that the employees are expected to return to work tomorrow. The job cuts have also affected other federal employees, as well as implementing funding cuts across a variety of other federal programs, most recently, and controversially, USAID.
IRS loses 6,700 employees in February
According to news as reported in The Associated Press, first reported in The Washington Post, the IRS has plans to reduce its workforce by 25%. These reductions first began in February earlier this year when the IRS laid off 6,700 probationary employees who had one year of service or less in the agency. The IRS Office of Civil Rights and Compliance is also set to have 75% of its workforce reduced, with the remaining 25% to be absorbed into the Office of Chief Counsel.
The significant job cuts have faced mass criticism as the agency attempts to handle the momentous task of tax season amidst the reduced workforce. However, DOGE continues to remain steadfast that the widespread employee job cuts are in the best interests of the federal government to reduce unnecessary spending and to assist federal agencies with operating more efficiently.
Will laid-off employees return to work tomorrow?
According to a post in media source Reddit, the 6,700 probationary employees who were laid off in February are expected to return to work tomorrow, April 14. According to the Reddit user, the email was sent to the employees on April 2. The email, as reported in the source CPA Practice Advisor, describes how employees have been asked to return to work following recent court orders.
The federal IRS workforce will be slashed by May
However, despite this win for the federal employees, Bloomberg News reported that 18% of the federal IRS workforce will be reduced by May 15, following the tax filing deadline of April 15, signifying the end of the tax filing season. Included in this reduction are the probated employees. Following this, many employees are concerned that they will be laid off again once the April 15 deadline passes. This follows the Trump Administration’s request that all federal agencies submit their plans for mass reductions in force (RIFs) by March 13 of this year.
Following the court orders for the Administration to reinstate the probation employees, many affected employees received an email stating they had been restored. However, many were informed that they would be placed on paid administrative leave until now, where it is expected that they will return to work tomorrow. The situation has left many questioning the transparency and communication practices of the Administration moving forward.
Musk’s involvement in government receives criticism
Following the widespread job cuts and the unconfirmed nature of the probation employees’ positions, Musk and DOGE have attracted widespread criticism for his involvement as a non-federal employee within the federal workforce, especially in terms of power dynamics and the potential for corporate interests to influence government actions. Musk’s dual position as both a private entrepreneur and a prominent figure in government-related initiatives brings into focus the blurred lines between public and private spheres. This has led to questions about how such entanglements could affect public trust in federal agencies and the decision-making process.
However, others have welcomed the addition of DOGE, stating that the advisory body is critically needed to reduce inflated government spending. DOGE has an ambitious goal of saving $2 trillion in government spending. In addition, if these goals are met, President Trump and Musk are considering distributing 20% of these savings across the nation in the form of $5,000 stimulus checks to citizens across the nation.
