The federal workforce shrank by 10.3% in 2025, or a net of nearly 238,000 workers, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of recently published government data.
| Year | Federal workers | New hires | Separations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2093868 | ||
| 2017 | 2081160 | ||
| 2018 | 2097881 | ||
| 2019 | 2131465 | ||
| 2020 | 2171513 | ||
| 2021 | 2170157 | ||
| 2022 | 2176983 | ||
| 2023 | ...
The strongest version of this narrative presents a clear and data-driven account of a significant reduction in the federal workforce, with specific emphasis on the disproportionate impact on younger and less experienced workers. The analysis highlights agency-specific cuts, particularly in education and international aid, while noting exceptions in immigration enforcement. The inclusion of raw numbers and percentages strengthens the credibility of the report, and the acknowledgment of missing de...