HUD Staff Braces for Deep Cuts as Trump and Musk Trim Federal Workforce
Workers at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) face significant layoffs amid President Trump's and Elon Musk's efforts to reduce the federal government's size.
Approximately 50% of HUD employees are expected to lose their positions, according to Antonio Gaines, president of AFGE Council 222, the union representing HUD workers. The Federal Housing Administration, which insures mortgage loans, is not anticipated to be impacted.
However, cuts in other divisions are projected to exceed 50%. Offices responsible for enforcing housing and employment discrimination protections are expected to shrink by 75%. Other departments facing significant reductions include the Office of Policy Development and Research, which provides housing market data, and the Office of Community Planning and Development, which oversees affordable housing programs and disaster recovery.
"We expect more cuts to come," said Gaines, expressing concern about the potential impact on essential services such as housing vouchers and rural hospital grants. "It's quite devastating. There could be major disruptions in services for American citizens."
The Trump administration is laying off hundreds of thousands of government workers in a bid to reshape the federal government. Additionally, tens of thousands of government employees have participated in a deferred resignation program.