USDA Seeks to Refill Jobs After Massive Layoffs

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is actively recruiting for key positions after offering over 15,000 employees early resignations. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins confirmed this decision during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on May 6, 2025.

The USDA initiated a deferred resignation program earlier this year, allowing federal employees to resign in exchange for continued salary and benefits through September. Rollins stated, “We are actively looking and recruiting to fill those positions that are integral to the efforts and the key frontlines.”

The initiative was part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to downsize the federal workforce significantly. Rollins noted that while 15,000 employees have resigned, this number represents less than 15% of the USDA’s total workforce, which typically sees 8,000 to 10,000 employees depart each year due to attrition.

Senator Patty Murray, the committee’s top Democrat, questioned the logic behind seeking new hires shortly after letting qualified employees go. “So you let people go and you’re looking for new people to fill the positions that they had experience in?” she asked.

Rollins responded by indicating some positions, especially those considered critical, may see former employees recalled. She expressed interest in discussing return options with those who left: “If they want to come back, and if they were in a key position, then we would love to have that conversation.”

However, frustrations remain among those affected. One employee, who chose the deferred resignation option, expressed anger upon learning their previous job was listed among the recently opened positions.

Rollins acknowledged that mistakes might have occurred during the process, emphasizing that key positions were protected from the resignation offer in its second round. “We’re working every day to solve for a lot of this, and I think we’re making a lot of really good progress,” she said.

On May 7, Rollins clarified that no employees from critical areas had accepted deferred resignations in April, contradicting a report from an APHIS employee who described the chaos following those departures. This situation has led to confusion and concern within the department.

The USDA has yet to respond to inquiries about the discrepancies in Rollins’ statements and accounts from employees. The agency’s handling of workforce issues will likely be scrutinized further as they continue their hiring efforts.