Since the Trump administration began, the federal workforce has shrunk by approximately 355,000 employees, leading to significant challenges for those affected. Maggie, a former employee of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, took a buyout in May 2025, just months before giving birth, and has since applied for over 250 jobs without success. Former colleagues, like Charles Melton from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, express frustration over the cuts, stating they were treated poorly and left without support. The job market for federal workers has become increasingly competitive, with many struggling to find adequate roles. Remaining employees report heightened workloads, impacting public services such as those at the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The cuts have also led to operational failures in agencies like USAID, which has seen severe consequences globally. Scott Kupor, director of the Office of Personnel Management, defended the cuts, claiming they are necessary for modernizing and improving government efficiency. However, many current and former employees believe the public is unaware of the full ramifications of these workforce reductions.