Key Takeaways
- The US government paid federal employees $9.5 billion in 2025 for unpaid leave.
- Use of paid administrative leave increased by 435% from 2023 to 2025.
- The report was released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The US government spent $9.5 billion on federal workers not working in 2025, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
This expenditure was part of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce, as part of the 'department of government efficiency' (Doge) initiative, led by Elon Musk.
The report revealed that the use of paid administrative leave by federal agencies increased by 435% from 2023 to 2025, costing six times more than in 2023.
The GAO, an independent watchdog, highlighted the significant financial impact of these leave policies on the federal budget.
Critics argue that this strategy may have been more about reducing the workforce than ensuring the efficiency of government operations.
The report suggests that the government’s approach to workforce management has shifted dramatically, with a focus on administrative leave as a cost-effective method to manage staff levels.
While the exact reasons for the increase in leave usage are not detailed in the report, it is clear that the government’s efforts to cut costs and reduce the workforce have had a substantial financial impact.
The GAO’s findings raise questions about the effectiveness of such measures and their long-term implications for federal operations.
