In just over two months, the Trump administration has laid off tens of thousands of federal workers at several agencies. Probationary employees, foreign aid staff, and workers dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) were the first targets of these cuts that have since spread to include dismantling the U.S. Department of Education—with more to follow. These unprecedented cuts follow President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk’s mission to downsize the federal government under the guise of cost savings and improved efficiency. While courts have ordered some of these workers to be reinstated, the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the federal government have serious implications for federal workers and their families—especially Black workers. 

For decades, the federal government has provided stable employment, excellent benefits, and key protections in hiring and promotions that supported a robust Black middle class. Through executive actions and legislation introduced in the 1960s and 1970s, the federal government adopted anti-discrimination and affirmative action practices that increased the number of Black workers in the federal government. Today, Black employees make up 18.5% of the federal workforce, which is greater than their overall share of the U.S. population.

Black federal workers: who they are and what they do 

Black federal employees are, on average, a highly educated workforce, with nearly half (45.3%) holding at least a bachelor’s degree—which is higher than the overall share of Black workers (26.2%) with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, most Black federal employees have long tenures, with 21.1% having served in the government for 20 years or more. Black federal workers are well represented in administrative and technical occupations, which account for fields like clerical services, legal, and medical, hospital, dental, and public health. 

Sadly, many of the agencies targeted by the Trump administration for job cuts employ a disproportionate number of Black workers. For example, the Trump administration plans to cut about 80,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides health care and support to millions of veterans. The VA is the largest federal employer overall and employs the highest number of Black workers at over 121,000 employees—approximately 25.2% of its workforce. Though fewer in number than the VA, Black workers are a higher share of those employed at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (36.2%) and the Department of Education (36.0%).

While job cuts at these critical federal agencies directly affect federal workers and their families, understaffing will also impact millions of people who depend on the programs and services they provide. Layoffs at the VA could jeopardize veterans’ access to timely, quality health care. Cuts to the Department of Education could threaten K–12 funding for disadvantaged students and those with disabilities, as well as student financial aid programs that many Black and Brown students rely on to afford college. And staffing cuts at the Department of Housing and Urban Development could undermine efforts to investigate housing discrimination and support first-time homebuyers, both of which help Black families navigate a discriminatory housing market, achieve homeownership, and build wealth.

Federal job cuts will harm workers nationwide 

Federal agencies employ workers across the country, and these job cuts will have widespread consequences. Mass layoffs in areas with high concentrations of federal employees—such as Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland—will hit local economies the hardest. Businesses that rely on government contracts will likely suffer as well.  

Black and Brown workers will face some of the most severe impacts—both as employees and as beneficiaries of essential public services, including protections against the harms of systemic racism and discrimination. 

The mismanagement of the federal government will have lasting repercussions for generations. The public sector is vital for all workers, but especially for Black workers and their families. A strong nation depends on a strong public sector—and it must be preserved and defended.