Trump Signs Executive Order 14210 -- "Workforce Optimization" -- Orders Mass Reductions in Force Across All Federal Agencies

Executive Order 14210, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative," ordered significant reductions in force (RIFs) across federal agencies. The order required agency heads to consult with DOGE team leads on all hiring decisions, mandated monthly hiring reports to the DOGE administrator, and directed agencies to identify "non-essential" positions for elimination. The order effectively gave DOGE personnel veto power over federal hiring and a mandate to shrink the civilian workforce. Combined with the "Fork in the Road" deferred resignation program, this set the stage for the largest peacetime federal workforce reduction in American history -- 280K+ positions eliminated by March 2026.