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● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 6 sources tracked

Federal government paid employees $9.5 billion not to work in 2025: Report

The Trump administration paid federal employees $9.5 billion to not work during 2025 as part of a DOGE plan to cut government spending. While multiple reports cite the $9.5 billion figure, data from the Government Accountability Office indicates the cost was nearly $7 billion. Another watchdog estimate places the cost of the administration's DRP at $6.7 billion for the previous year. These conflicting figures highlight a discrepancy between general reports and official watchdog estimates regarding the actual cost of workforce reductions.

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  • ✓ The Trump administration paid federal employees $9.5 billion not to work in 2025 under a DOGE plan.
  • ✓ The government paid federal employees not to work as part of DOGE cuts.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 6 independent reporting domains (70% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Reports now conflict between a $9.5 billion total and GAO estimates of nearly $7 billion.

Live updates

  1. Trump Administration Paid Federal Employees $9.5 Billion Not to Work in 2025

    The Trump administration paid federal employees $9.5 billion to not work during 2025 as part of a DOGE plan to cut government spending. While multiple reports cite the $9.5 billion figure, data from the Government Accountability Office indicates the cost was nearly $7 billion. Another watchdog estimate places the cost of the administration's DRP at $6.7 billion for the previous year. These conflicting figures highlight a discrepancy between general reports and official watchdog estimates regarding the actual cost of workforce reductions.

    Why it matters

    The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was established to reduce federal spending and headcount. These payments were used to incentivize employees to leave their positions. The variance in reported costs suggests uncertainty over how these payments are categorized or calculated.

    What is confirmed

    • The Trump administration paid federal employees $9.5 billion not to work in 2025 under a DOGE plan.
    • The government paid federal employees not to work as part of DOGE cuts.

    Still unconfirmed

    • A watchdog estimates the Trump administration's DRP cost $6.7 billion last year.

    What to watch next

    • Reconciliation of the $9.5 billion figure with GAO and watchdog estimates
    • Official breakdown of DRP costs versus DOGE incentive payments
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Federal government paid employees $9.5 billion not to work in 2025: Report
    2. The Guardian — US government paid federal employees $9.5bn not to work amid Doge cuts – report
    3. CNN — Trump administration paid federal employees $9.5 billion not to work in 2025 under DOGE plan
    4. The Hill — Federal employees were paid nearly $7B not to work under DOGE effort: GAO
    5. Federal News Network — Trump administration’s DRP cost $6.7B last year, watchdog estimates
    6. washingtoncitypaper.com — The Needle: GOP Rep. Introduces Articles of Impeachment Against Hegseth, Trump Spends $84K on Signs at Museums, the Government Paid Federal Workers $9.5 Billion to Not Work ...
    confidence 70%
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