President Donald Trump's administration says federal agencies should begin planning to eliminate employee positions. The process is known as a reduction in force.

Trump's executive order that he signed with DOGE head Elon Musk specifically states agency leaders "shall promptly undertake preparations to initiate large-scale reductions in force,” or RIF. Some departments have already begun the process.

The Trump administration advanced its large-scale federal workforce downsizing, issuing guidance for agency layoffs and reorganizations. A memo from the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management directed agencies to conduct force reductions.