type: timeline_event
Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported DOGE actions caused 280,253 layoff plans across 27 federal agencies in first two months, making March layoffs third-highest ever recorded (275,240 total). Federal government announced 216,670 cuts in March alone, representing 80% of all U.S. layoff announcements and 205% increase over 2024. Impacts included Education (50%), VA (80K), HHS (25%).