377,000 under Clinton.

280,000 under Trump.

DOGE is Behind by 97,000

Downsizing the Federal Government: The Clinton Era

The Clinton administration, particularly through the work of the National Partnership for Reinventing Government (NPR), undertook a significant effort to reduce the size of the federal government. This initiative, led by Vice President Al Gore, aimed to streamline operations, cut costs, and improve efficiency. While the raw numbers of federal job reductions during this period are often cited, it’s crucial to understand the context and approach of these reductions, especially when comparing them to other efforts to shrink the government.

The NPR was launched in March 1993, with the stated goal of making the federal government “less expensive and more efficient” and shifting its culture “away from complacency and entitlement toward initiative and empowerment.” This was not simply about cutting jobs; it was about fundamentally changing how the government operated. The NPR’s initial report outlined 384 recommendations for improving the federal bureaucracy, and implementing these recommendations involved a multi-faceted approach.

One key aspect of the NPR’s strategy was offering buyouts to federal employees. As you noted, President Clinton signed a bill in 1994 that offered buyouts of up to $25,000 to encourage employees to leave voluntarily. A significant portion of these buyouts targeted management positions, reflecting a desire to “reduce the layers of bureaucracy and micromanagement” that were seen as hindering government efficiency. This focus on reducing management layers is a critical distinction. The Clinton administration aimed to flatten organizational structures and empower frontline employees, rather than simply slashing budgets and leaving agencies understaffed.

Elaine Kamarck, who directed the NPR initiative, emphasized this distinction. She argued that the Clinton-era reductions focused on “cutting fat” rather than “cutting muscle.” In other words, the goal was to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and waste, not to undermine the core functions of government agencies. Kamarck’s perspective, as reported by CBS News, highlights the importance of how government downsizing is carried out. The NPR sought to achieve long-term efficiency gains by restructuring processes and empowering employees, rather than simply resorting to across-the-board cuts.

The NPR’s efforts yielded substantial results. According to reports, the federal civilian workforce was reduced by 426,200 positions between January 1993 and September 2000. The initiative also claimed significant cost savings, with reports indicating savings of over $136 billion. Beyond the numbers, the NPR also focused on improving government services. It introduced performance measurements, customer satisfaction surveys, and encouraged the use of technology, including the internet, to enhance efficiency and responsiveness.

The legacy of the NPR is complex. It is credited with achieving significant cost savings and modernizing aspects of the federal government. Reports from the time indicate that the initiative led to the elimination of numerous obsolete programs and regulations, as well as improvements in procurement processes and customer service. However, some critics argue that the downsizing efforts may have had unintended consequences, and that not all agencies were equally well-managed during this period.

In conclusion, the Clinton administration’s efforts to reduce the size of the federal government through the National Partnership for Reinventing Government represent a significant chapter in the history of government reform. The NPR’s approach, which emphasized streamlining processes, empowering employees, and targeting bureaucratic inefficiencies, offers a valuable case study for understanding the complexities of government downsizing. While the raw numbers of job reductions are important, the context and methodology of these reductions are equally crucial for evaluating their long-term impact.

And how’s that compare to Today?

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DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) has been responsible for a significant number of layoffs and position eliminations across various federal agencies. Specifically, approximately 280,000 positions have been terminated or eliminated across 27 government agencies. This includes the firing of nearly 25,000 probationary federal workers. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Overall Job Cuts:DOGE-related job cuts totaled 275,240 in March 2025, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. 
• Specific Agency Examples:
  • Education Department: At least 39 employees were fired, including special education specialists. 
  • Department of Energy: Around 2,000 people were fired. 
  • Department of Homeland Security: More than 400 employees had their positions eliminated. 
  • United States Agency for International Development (USAID): Over 10,000 staffers were placed on leave. 
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): The agency has been targeted for significant cuts. 
• Other Forms of Reduction:
  • Buyouts: Over 2 million federal workers received buyout offers. 
  • Contract Terminations: DOGE terminated 44 contracts with a total ceiling value of $5.2 billion.