Share this article!

The union representing the employees at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) claims the agency is planning to layoff half of its 9,600-member workforce.

Bloomberg Law reports that Antonio Gaines, president of AFGE National Council 222, said the layoffs will occur in the HUD offices that enforce civil rights laws, compile housing data, and provide funds for the rebuilding of communities following disasters. Gaines added that employees in the Federal Housing Administration will not be impacted by the layoffs.

HUD did not respond to a request for comment. Earlier this week, President Trump directed Executive Branch agency leaders to “undertake preparations to initiate large-scale reductions in force” that focus on firing workers who “perform functions not mandated by statute,” including “diversity, equity and inclusion programs.”

Also earlier this week, HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced his agency was working with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to audit spending. Turner said HUD identified $260 million in savings via its work with DOGE and vowed to identify and eliminate all waste, fraud, and abuse.”