The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is set to lay off 6,700 employees on February 20, 2025, as part of a major downsizing effort under the Trump administration. The move is aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs, but critics warn it could hinder the agency’s ability to enforce tax laws and provide taxpayer services.

The layoffs will affect employees across various departments, including auditing, customer service, and IT. IRS Commissioner John Smith stated that the decision was necessary to align the agency’s workforce with its current workload and budget constraints.

“While this decision was not made lightly, it is essential for the long-term efficiency of the IRS,” Smith said. “We remain committed to serving taxpayers and ensuring compliance with tax laws.”

However, employee unions and tax advocacy groups have criticized the move, arguing that it could lead to longer wait times for taxpayer assistance and reduced enforcement of tax evasion.