Transportation Department Braces for Layoffs as Federal Workforce Cuts Begin
Federal transportation workers are facing imminent job cuts as the Trump administration moves forward with plans to slash government payrolls. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently informed department employees that layoffs could begin as early as late May.
“We’re going to do the RIF. We’re going to know at the end of May what that looks like,” Duffy told staff during a town hall meeting, according to CBS.
The Department of Transportation employs approximately 57,000 workers. More than 5,000 have already accepted the administration’s deferred resignation program, Government Executive reported.
Under the program, employees who agree to resign receive salary and benefits through September 30, 2025. The final number of layoffs will depend on how many additional workers accept this offer before the program concludes.
The department hasn’t been subtle about preparing workers for potential career changes. USDOT has offered educational sessions on transitioning to private sector jobs, including tips on personal branding, Politico noted.
These workforce reductions align with broader White House efforts to dramatically reduce federal employment. The administration has signaled plans to eliminate certain federal agencies entirely, though specific targets beyond the current transportation cuts remain unclear.
For thousands of transportation workers, the next few weeks will determine whether they’ll continue their government service or be forced to seek new employment opportunities.