Federal employees are facing significant job cuts under the Trump Administration’s efforts to streamline the federal workforce. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is examining various government departments, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has seen numerous probationary employees receive termination notices.
Reports indicate that hundreds of probationary workers at the FAA have been dismissed. Although exact numbers are not available, a union representing these employees confirms that many have been asked to leave. These workers, typically employed for less than a year, received termination messages from an unofficial email address on February 14.
The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), representing over 11,000 FAA and Department of Defense employees, expressed disappointment with the administration’s decision. The union stated that “several hundred employees have been impacted” and criticized the use of an unofficial email address for delivering such news.
President Trump recently signed an executive order enabling DOGE to work with federal agencies to reduce employee numbers. Describing the federal government as “bloated,” Trump’s actions have sparked mixed reactions across political lines.
Significant layoffs have occurred in other departments as well. The Department of Veterans Affairs let go of 1,000 probationary employees, while the US Forest Service plans to dismiss over 3,000 workers. Additionally, around 75,000 federal civilian employees accepted buyouts offered by the US Office of Personnel Management.
Sean Duffy was sworn in as Secretary of Transportation last month amid speculation about future changes under the new administration. While urging FAA staff to seek more productive roles, air traffic control positions remain exempt due to staffing shortages.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed its workforce is not eligible for early retirement packages offered elsewhere in the federal system.
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