President Donald Trump’s administration is making big moves at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—and for many government employees, that means the end of the road.
In an effort to cut waste, improve efficiency, and eliminate positions deemed non-essential, the administration has reportedly terminated more than 400 DHS employees as part of an ongoing federal workforce purge.
A government official told ABC News on Friday that a total of 405 DHS employees have been removed so far.
Where Are the Cuts Happening?
The biggest impact has been felt at:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Over 200 employees removed.
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): 130 workers terminated.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Almost 50 employees cut.
- DHS Science and Technology Directorate: 10 workers removed.
Additionally, 12 members of the U.S. Coast Guard—specifically those working on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives—were offered roles supporting border security efforts at the southern border.
Why Is This Happening?
A DHS spokesperson explained the decision, stating:
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are making sweeping cuts and reforms across the federal government to eliminate egregious waste and incompetence that has been happening for decades at the expense of the American taxpayer.”
The administration estimates that these workforce reductions will result in $50 million in savings for taxpayers.
Targeting “Non-Mission Critical” Roles
According to the DHS, component leaders were asked to identify non-essential personnel still in their probationary period—a common practice when trimming down a workforce.
“We are actively identifying other wasteful positions and offices that do not fulfill DHS’ mission,” the spokesperson added.
DEI Positions on the Chopping Block
It’s worth noting that the 12 Coast Guard members affected were specifically working in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) roles—an area Trump has criticized as unnecessary bureaucracy. Instead of being terminated outright, they were offered positions assisting with border security efforts.
FEMA Mismanagement Also Under Review
This shake-up follows ongoing scrutiny of FEMA, which has faced public backlash for delayed disaster response efforts. Recently, a FEMA administrator admitted that 20 homes were skipped in a hurricane recovery effort, raising further concerns about the agency’s management.
A Leadership Shake-Up at the Coast Guard
The changes also come weeks after Trump fired U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Linda Lee Fagan, citing concerns about her border policies and excessive focus on DEI initiatives. Fagan, who was dismissed on Trump’s second day in office, was also evicted from her admiral quarters earlier this month.
What’s Next?
The Trump administration has made it clear that this is just the beginning. The DHS workforce purge is expected to continue, with more agencies under review for inefficiencies.
The goal? Cutting red tape, eliminating wasteful spending, and refocusing agencies on their core missions—starting with national security.
What do you think about these sweeping government cuts? Are they necessary, or do they go too far? Reply and let us know!
