WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Pentagon announced this week that it will cut 5,400 jobs as part of President Donald Trump's plan to shrink the federal workforce.

This move follows voter backlash faced by some Republican lawmakers over the aggressive cuts. Though smaller than the 50,000 job cuts some had feared, more layoffs could follow. A top official, Darin Selnick, said a hiring freeze could reduce the Pentagon's 950,000 civilian workers by up to 8%.

The cuts are part of a larger government overhaul led by tech billionaire Elon Musk, which has already eliminated 20,000 jobs and dismantled various federal programs, including those related to foreign aid and financial oversight.

Legal challenges to the cuts have had mixed outcomes; while some layoffs continue, the U.S. Supreme Court has blocked Trump from firing the head of the Office of Special Counsel.

Other federal agencies have also been affected. The FBI will transfer 1,500 staff out of Washington, while some fired experts, including those responsible for nuclear safety and bird flu response, are being rehired.

The CDC has recalled workers overseeing a health plan for those affected by the 9/11 attacks and reinstated research contracts investigating cancer among emergency responders after bipartisan criticism.

Critics argue that Trump and Musk's cost-cutting measures are chaotic and violate laws that give Congress control over spending. Some Republican lawmakers faced backlash from voters at town hall meetings, with constituents voicing frustration over the cuts.

Polls show declining support for Trump since he took office, and labor unions have filed lawsuits challenging the layoffs' legality. Despite these challenges, the administration remains committed to reducing what it views as government waste, fraud, and abuse.

Meanwhile, concerns are growing over Musk's access to sensitive government data, leading to restrictions on his ability to view certain taxpayer information.