Federal Agencies Post 104,000 Jobs as DOGE Mandate Ends and Staffing Gaps Widen
Updated
Updated · NOTUS · Jul 3
Federal Agencies Post 104,000 Jobs as DOGE Mandate Ends and Staffing Gaps Widen
1 articles · Updated · NOTUS · Jul 3
Summary
More than 104,000 federal jobs were posted in the first five months of 2026, up from about 68,900 in the last five months of 2025, as agencies ramped hiring before DOGE’s July 4 mandate expiration.
Those openings reflect capacity strains after last year’s cuts: the IRS got fast-track authority to hire 8,000 workers, HHS is seeking 12,000 after cutting 10,000, and Social Security has already hired 500 call-center staff.
OPM chief Scott Kupor said the administration is no longer focused simply on shrinking headcount, describing the effort as a workforce “reshaping” to fill gaps in technology, customer service and mission-critical operations.
Hiring remains partial and tightly controlled by the White House: Tech Force has filled 125 of its 1,000-target, some agencies have replaced only a sliver of departed staff, and Russell Vought said further cuts are still possible.
The rebound underscores a broader shift from DOGE’s mass buyouts and layoffs toward rebuilding capacity, even as Trump officials pursue insourcing and changes that could further politicize the federal workforce.
How will the government replace decades of lost expertise after its massive workforce reduction?
What is the true cost of reshaping the federal workforce on public services and long-term trust?
Will new hiring rules create a more responsive government or risk losing impartial, critical expertise?
After 300,000 Federal Job Cuts: The DOGE Mandate, Its Fallout, and the 2026 Rehiring Wave
Overview
After the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) ended its mandate in July 2026, the federal government faced a severe capacity crisis due to major workforce cuts. This led to a large rehiring wave, with agencies like the National Endowment for the Humanities urgently bringing back staff. The government posted nearly 69,000 jobs in late 2025 to address these gaps. With almost half of federal employees nearing retirement, there is a risk of losing vital experience and knowledge. The report highlights how these challenges forced a rapid shift from aggressive downsizing to rebuilding the workforce to restore essential government functions.