HUD Braces for Massive Layoffs, Threatening Housing Assistance and Discrimination Investigations
HUD workers are facing significant job cuts as part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the federal government. Around 50% of employees are expected to be laid off, according to Antonio Gaines, president of AFGE Council 222.
The cuts will be particularly severe in divisions handling housing and employment discrimination investigations, which are expected to be reduced by 75%. Other departments facing deep cuts include the Office of Policy Development and Research, which provides housing market data, and the Office of Community Planning and Development, which offers affordable housing programs and disaster recovery assistance.
The layoffs raise concerns about the availability of essential services such as housing vouchers and grants to rural hospitals. "We expect more cuts to come," said Gaines. "It could have significant disruptions in services to American citizens."
The Trump administration's efforts to reduce the size of the government have resulted in hundreds of thousands of layoffs and a deferred resignation program.