Over 10,000 federal lawyers have left the government since December 2024, according to reports. The departures occurred amid President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce, with resignations, retirements, and policy-driven exits contributing to the decline. As of March 2026, the federal government employs 17% fewer lawyers than at the end of 2024, with about 37,000 civilian lawyers remaining. The Departments of Education and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) saw the steepest losses, with 53% and 40% of their legal staff departing, respectively.
Trump’s Response
President Trump praised the exodus on Truth Social, calling it "very good" and framing the departing lawyers as "Radical Left Deep State Lunatics" who "weaponized government." He claimed many were fired and asserted they should not have represented the U.S. in the first place. Trump also supported their move to "bigger, better, and brighter" opportunities.
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
Trump signed an executive order in 2025 creating DOGE, led by Elon Musk, to modernize federal technology and reduce bureaucracy. Initially co-led by Vivek Ramaswamy, the initiative shifted focus to exposing waste and fraud. In February 2026, the administration fired thousands of employees, contributing to the legal workforce decline.
Opposing Perspectives
Critics argue the departures weaken the administration’s ability to defend policies in court. The New York Times reported that many lawyers joined Democratic state attorneys general offices or nonprofits challenging Trump’s policies. Some departures were voluntary, while others followed staffing cuts or policy disagreements.