(LOOTPRESS) – In February 2025, layoffs across the United States surged to 172,017, marking the highest monthly total since July 2020. This significant increase is largely attributed to job cuts initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which accounted for 62,242 federal layoffs across 17 agencies.
The retail and technology sectors have also experienced substantial layoffs, contributing to the overall increase. Estimates suggest that DOGE’s actions could result in up to 300,000 job cuts, potentially leading to nearly one million total layoffs when considering associated contractor positions. This economic uncertainty is further exacerbated by ongoing trade tensions and recession risks.
In summary, while the recent surge in layoffs is primarily driven by federal job cuts under DOGE’s initiatives, the broader labor market has yet to show signs of widespread distress. Nonetheless, the long-term implications of these cuts, alongside other economic policies, warrant close monitoring as they may impact future employment trends and economic stability.