IRS Workforce Set to Be Slashed in Half: A Move by the Trump Administration
The Trump administration is taking decisive action to reduce the size of the federal government, with plans to cut the IRS workforce in half.
In a bold move to streamline the federal government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reportedly planning to reduce its workforce from 90,000 to just 45,000 employees. This significant reduction is part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to shrink government operations and enhance efficiency. The plan involves a combination of layoffs, attrition, and buyout offers, according to sources cited by the Associated Press.
Part of the strategy includes reallocating some IRS employees to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to bolster immigration enforcement efforts. This move was requested by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, reflecting the administration’s commitment to securing the nation’s borders. The IRS’s current workforce stands at approximately 90,000, and the proposed cuts would mark a significant shift in federal employment.
These efforts are driven by the Trump administration’s DOGE-led initiative to reduce the size of government. This includes firing probationary workers and incentivizing federal employees to resign through a ‘deferred resignation program.’ In February, the IRS already laid off about 7,000 probationary employees, signaling the start of this aggressive downsizing.
A White House memo issued last month directed all federal agencies to develop plans by March 13 to reduce staffing levels. While it remains uncertain whether the White House will approve the IRS’s plan to cut its workforce in half, the move aligns with President Trump’s vision for a leaner, more efficient government. DOGE chief Elon Musk has been actively involved, embedding staffers at the IRS to oversee the process.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently highlighted President Trump’s long-term goal of abolishing the IRS altogether. Lutnick stated on Fox News that Trump aims to replace the IRS with an external revenue office focused on collecting foreign-sourced revenue, such as tariffs. This vision harkens back to a time before the 16th Amendment when tariffs were the primary source of government funding.
Trump’s tariff policies have already seen significant action, with the implementation of 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and a doubling of tariffs on China to 20%. These measures are part of a broader effort to address issues like the illegal export of fentanyl to the US, showcasing the administration’s proactive stance on trade and security.
As the Trump administration continues to push forward with these transformative policies, the potential slashing of the IRS workforce represents a significant step toward realizing a more efficient and streamlined federal government.