Pentagon to lay off about 5,400 probationary employees, possibly more

Published February 21, 2025 6:17pm ET



The Department of Defense expects to lay off more than 5,000 probationary employees starting next week, as the department complies with the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the size of the federal workforce.

The Pentagon expects to reduce the civilian workforce by 5%-8%, according to a Friday afternoon statement from Darin Selnick, who is currently performing the duties of undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.

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