By Tim Reid

WASHINGTON (Reuters)

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a multitude of executive orders and taken actions since his inauguration on Jan. 20 aimed at reducing the size of America’s federal workforce, comprising 2.2 million employees.

Trump’s actions include:

Buyout Offers

The administration has proposed buyouts to 2 million civilian federal workers through a “deferred resignation program,” allowing employees to remain on the payroll until Sept. 30 without working in person. A deadline of Feb. 6 has been set for employees to decide on participation. Unions have urged against acceptance, leading to dissatisfaction among many civil servants.

Funding Freeze

A memo from the Trump administration froze potentially trillions in federal aid, raising concerns about the disruption of critical programs, including healthcare and infrastructure. A federal judge temporarily halted the directive after advocacy groups expressed that it would severely impact federal assistance programs.

Government Watchdogs

Trump has dismissed 17 inspectors general across various agencies, replacing independent watchdogs with loyalists, seemingly violating federal law due to a lack of advance notice to Congress.

Cutting the Federal Workforce

Trump mandated full-time office attendance for federal workers and implemented a hiring freeze, with exceptions made for military and safety roles. He reinstated a Schedule F executive order aimed at making it easier to fire certain civil servants.

Changing the Mission at Key Agencies

Approximately 20 senior attorneys at the Justice Department have been reassigned as part of efforts to crack down on illegal immigration, with orders to pursue charges against non-compliant state officials and a halt on civil rights litigation.

Review of FEMA

Trump initiated a review of FEMA, suggesting a possible closure or reorganization while claiming it mismanaged disaster responses. Critics argue this approach politicizes disaster aid.

Firings

Plans have been made to dismiss over 1,000 officials appointed by Biden, including high-ranking figures in the Coast Guard, citing concerns over diversity policies.

Government Diversity Programs

An executive order was signed to eliminate diversity programs in government, mandating staff be placed on leave as related offices are shut down. Agencies are to stop using gender identity references.

Direction Change at Pentagon

Trump has moved to remove diversity directives from the military and reinstated troops dismissed for refusing COVID-19 vaccines, while facing lawsuits from transgender rights groups over new military standards.