HUD Braces for Job Cuts as Trump Administration Slashes Federal Workforce

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is facing deep staffing reductions as part of the Trump administration's efforts to shrink the federal government.

HUD employees, representing 50% of the agency's workforce, are expected to lose their jobs, according to Antonio Gaines, president of AFGE Council 222, the union representing HUD workers.

Divisions responsible for housing assistance, discrimination investigations, and market research will be particularly hard-hit, with cuts expected to exceed 50%. Offices that monitor housing and employment discrimination are facing a 75% reduction.

Other departments with substantial cuts include:

* Office of Policy Development and Research (data collection on US housing market)
* Office of Community Planning and Development (affordable housing programs, homelessness assistance, disaster recovery)

Gaines expressed concern about the potential impact on services such as housing vouchers and rural hospital grants. "We expect more cuts to come," he said, highlighting the possibility of significant disruptions in services to American citizens.

The layoffs are part of the Trump administration's broader effort to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, with hundreds of thousands of government workers being let go. Tens of thousands have also opted for a deferred resignation program.