Trump Slashes Federal Jobs As Unemployment In DC Soars

Washington, D.C., is experiencing a sharp rise in unemployment as President Donald Trump’s push to cut down the federal workforce takes effect. Nearly 7,000 individuals have filed for jobless benefits in the first six weeks of the year, reflecting a 55% surge from the previous six-week period.

With Trump’s directive to reduce government bureaucracy, thousands of employees have been dismissed, while others accepted buyout offers to leave their positions voluntarily. Over 75,000 federal workers have taken early retirement offers as part of the administration’s broader efforts to scale back federal employment.

Despite these job losses, national unemployment figures remain stable. The overall jobless rate in the US was 4.1% in December and dipped slightly to 4% in January. However, D.C.’s unemployment rate remains high, standing at 5.5% in December, making it one of the worst in the nation.

The effects are also being felt in the housing market, with a sudden influx of properties for sale and rent. Homeowners looking to sell have been forced to drop prices, signaling a correction after years of artificial growth driven by a bloated federal workforce.

Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has helped oversee the layoffs and restructuring. The agency has faced criticism from federal unions and long-time government employees who claim the cuts are too extreme. However, Trump’s administration argues that these measures are necessary to reduce government waste and shift workers into the private sector.

D.C. has long been insulated from economic downturns due to its reliance on taxpayer-funded jobs, but with these cuts, federal workers are now being pushed to compete in the broader job market.