Musk’s Federal Layoffs: The Impact on Women in the Workforce

The federal government, historically known as a stable employer, faces unprecedented job cuts, largely driven by tech billionaire Elon Musk. A recent jobs report indicates that nearly half of all layoffs in the U.S. in 2025 are attributed to these reductions, impacting approximately 280,000 federal employees.

Women and people of color bear a significant brunt of these layoffs, as highlighted by a new analysis from the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC). The loss of secure federal positions is particularly concerning for these groups who have often relied on government jobs for stability and growth.

Jacqueline Simon, policy director for the American Federation of Government Employees, emphasizes the worrying trend. “The elimination of federal jobs forces these female workers into a market that discriminates based on sex,” she notes. The changes come in the wake of prior Executive Orders aimed at reducing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, further exacerbating the issue.

Departments such as Veterans Affairs, Education, and Health and Human Services — with a majority female workforce — have been significantly affected. Agencies like USAID and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are also at risk of further reductions or closures, which has dismantled the career advancement paths for many female employees.

“You can’t find yourself in a situation that says, ‘You’re doing great work, but we don’t have room for promotions,’” Simon explains, underscoring the loss of predictable career trajectories that federal employment typically offers.

Despite reports indicating that women have not been specifically targeted for mass layoffs, the lack of transparency around the cuts complicates the situation. Recent removals of diversity data from government websites further obscure the effects of these job losses, making it difficult for experts to analyze the impact comprehensively.

As of September 2024, women comprised 47 percent of the federal workforce, highlighting the diversity within the 2.3 million federal employees. Sarah Javaid, report author, acknowledges that government jobs provide unique opportunities not often found in the private sector, pointing to predictable schedules and protections against arbitrary firing.

Liz Morris, co-director of the Center for WorkLife Law, notes that the situation is dire for caregivers and pregnant workers. Many have been affected by orders requiring a return to in-person work, with crucial accommodation requests often ignored. She highlights the struggle of pregnant workers facing job insecurity during a time when stable income is essential.

“Federal employees could count on civil service protections… but that security has been shattered,” Morris states, revealing the grim reality faced by those reliant on government jobs in the wake of these mass layoffs.