Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS News Hour

The impact of Trump's slashing of the federal workforce

President Trump gave federal agencies a deadline this week to implement a large-scale reduction in force. The order would not only lay off thousands more government employees but eliminate positions altogether. Lisa Desjardins takes a look at the history of the civil service and the attempts to change its size and influence over time.

Support Provided By
Season
June 3, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 3, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 2, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 2, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 1, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
56:45
June 1, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 29, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 29, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 28, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 28, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 27, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 27, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 26, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
56:46
May 26, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 25, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 25, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 22, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 22, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 21, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 21, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 19, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 19, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Active loading indicator