Musk-Led Federal Layoffs Hit Women in Government Jobs Hardest

A sweeping federal layoff initiative—allegedly influenced by Elon Musk—has disproportionately impacted women in government roles. Internal sources say half of all layoffs in the country this year have come from federal agencies, where women often occupy a large share of administrative and analyst positions. Departments such as the IRS and EPA reported significant job losses, eroding progress on gender equity in public service. Some laid-off employees describe the cuts as “devastating,” noting that they relied on stable government jobs for dependable incomes and career growth. Unions are filing grievances, arguing that the methodology targets roles predominantly held by women, effectively undoing years of diversity efforts.