The Challenges and Pathways for Trump to Reduce Federal Workers

‘If the President can’t fire them, then who exactly are they accountable to?’ attorney Matt Bowman said.

Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump offers his hand to Elon Musk back stage during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds, in Butler, Penn., on Oct. 5, 2024. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

News Analysis

President-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to slash federal spending and pare the administrative state will face many challenges and could even force court rulings to determine how much authority the President has over the executive branch of government.