US Federal Government Spends $9.5 Billion on Administrative Leave Amid Workforce Reduction
In 2025, the US federal government spent $9.5 billion compensating employees on administrative leave, a 435% increase from 2023, largely due to the Department of Government Efficiency's deferred resignation program. This initiative, linked to Elon Musk and the Trump administration, aimed to reduce the federal workforce by encouraging resignations while maintaining pay. Despite a 12% workforce reduction, financial savings were not realized, with agencies facing recruitment challenges to fill vacancies left by departing experienced staff.
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is negative (33/100). Lens Score 61/100.
Outlets measured: mint, hindustantimes. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (28–38/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
hindustantimes broke this story on 16 Sept, 04:13 pm. Other outlets followed.