What is the reason behind the federal agency layoff deadline?

The federal agency layoff deadline was set by the Office for Personnel Management as part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to downsize the federal government. The deadline for agencies to issue layoffs has recently passed, marking a significant step in this downsizing effort. This move reflects the administration's strategy to reduce the size and scope of government operations, affecting federal employees particularly in regions heavily dependent on government employment like the D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia.