Trump’s administration reinstating hundreds of government employees dismissed by Musk - Media

US media reports that they received a copy of an internal memo issued by the US General Services Administration (GSA). The memo states that GSA employees who were dismissed during Musk’s tenure have until the end of the week to agree to return to work — or to decline.

For those who agree, the first working day will begin on October 6, after a seven-month paid leave during which the dismissed employees were effectively inactive. This has led to massive overspending by the GSA, which ultimately falls on taxpayers.

The GSA not only had to cover dozens of housing lease contracts for the dismissed employees — the agency, whose main responsibility is managing federal properties and workplaces, also struggled to operate properly because a significant portion of its 12,000 staff had been let go.

"Ultimately, the outcome was the agency was left broken and understaffed. They didn’t have the people they needed to carry out basic functions," commented Chad Becker, a former GSA employee.

Moreover, it’s not just the GSA bringing back employees. The US Department of Labor has also begun reinstating previously dismissed workers, and the National Park Service had earlier reinstated several former employees.

Musk and the DOGE savings

Billionaire Elon Musk headed the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) until May 28, 2025. His department aimed to implement US President Donald Trump’s promise to cut the federal budget.

However, after Musk’s resignation, he was heavily criticized within the Trump administration. In particular, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick stated that Musk’s approach to running DOGE focused on layoffs rather than actual cost savings.

Moreover, Musk’s initial forecasts of saving $1–2 trillion per year proved unrealistic. Current estimates indicate that the program may save just over $200 billion, though even these figures are questioned by experts.