The newly released requirements for agencies to move forward with mass cuts to the federal work force have employees even more on edge.

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.

A new executive order from President Donald Trump to strengthen DOGE has placed a 30-day freeze on all government issued credit cards.

The cuts come amid growing attrition from an aging federal workforce, which the Biden administration worried would hollow out the government without intervention.

The Trump administration Wednesday ordered heads of federal departments and agencies to prepare to initiate "large-scale reductions in force" by March 13

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.