USDOT prepares for significant layoffs amid broader government efficiency efforts

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USDOT prepares for significant layoffs amid broader government efficiency efforts

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Sean Duffy United States Secretary of Transportation | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

May 19, 2025

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) is preparing for layoffs by the end of this month as part of a broader government initiative to reduce federal employees. According to CDLLife, referencing CBS, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy informed USDOT workers that reductions in force (RIF) are imminent following many employees accepting a deferred resignation program (DRP) offer.

Government Executive reports that approximately 5,100 out of 57,000 USDOT employees have signed DRP contracts, choosing to retire. These layoffs will further decrease department numbers. The DRP is available only to employees aged 40 and over, allowing them to receive pay until September 30, 2025, without needing to perform their duties.

This move is part of the Trump Administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative aimed at reducing the federal workforce and improving efficiency by eliminating non-value-adding processes. While some criticize the cuts for potentially impacting safety in the aviation industry, others praise it for saving $170 billion in tax dollars according to the DOGE Tracker.

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The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) faces similar reductions with 16% of its workforce opting for DRP offers. A USDA spokesperson stated: “Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is being transparent about plans to optimize and reduce our workforce... We have a solemn responsibility to be good stewards of Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced during a town hall meeting that RIF layoffs would follow DRP resignations. Eligible employees have until May 22 to decide on DRP participation. Duffy noted: “The DRP will end. We’ll look at the numbers. We’re going to do the RIF...”

On May 1, Duffy revealed plans to increase air traffic controller recruitment following recent failures in air traffic control systems at Newark airport which led to numerous flight delays and cancellations.

Despite concerns over safety due to potential job cuts at USDOT affecting FAA operations, Duffy reassured that no "safety-critical" jobs would be cut at FAA.

Overall, while there are concerns about maintaining safety standards amidst these cuts, particularly within USDOT's aviation sector, proponents argue that restructuring could lead to more efficient use of taxpayer dollars.