What is the estimated number of federal workers at risk?

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Estimated Number of Federal Workers at Risk

The reclassification of federal workers under a new executive order by US President Donald Trump is anticipated to place hundreds of thousands of individuals at risk of termination. This broad order allows for a significant expansion of the category of employees who can be reclassified, potentially impacting a substantial portion of the federal workforce.
Potential for Widespread Reclassification

The current executive order is described as broad enough to allow for the reclassification of hundreds of thousands of federal employees before any actual firings commence. This wide scope stems from the new classification, "schedule policy/career," which could encompass a vast number of individuals, as nearly all government roles involve some degree of policy engagement.
Comparison to Previous Reclassification Efforts

Previous attempts to reclassify federal workers, such as the "Schedule F" initiative during Trump's first term, had estimated that at least 50,000 federal workers could become vulnerable to being fired. The current order's broader definition suggests a significantly larger pool of employees could be affected, potentially extending to hundreds of thousands.
Existing Workforce Reductions

Since the beginning of Trump's term, over 260,000 federal workers have already departed the workforce through various means. These departures include terminations, voluntary buyouts, and early retirements, indicating a pre-existing trend of workforce reduction within the federal system.
Impact on Job Protections

The reclassification is expected to strip many federal employees of their job protections, effectively making them "employees at will." This change, according to union leaders, will erode the merit-based hiring system and undermine the professional civil service that the public relies upon.

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What is the estimated number of federal workers at risk?

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