The Social Security Administration is preparing to lay off at least 7,000 people from its workforce of 60,000 — and the final reduction in force number could be as high as 50%, according to two people familiar with the agency’s plans who are not authorized to speak publicly.

Calling its workforce “bloated,” the Social Security Administration announced Friday plans to slash about 7,000 jobs, or roughly 12% of its staff. The potential cuts are part of a larger reorganization at the agency in line with the Trump administration’s drive to downsize the federal government.

Thousands of federal workers are out of a job, and further cuts are expected. Meanwhile, a federal judge has blocked the firings.

President Donald Trump has insisted that he will not cut Social Security ... former government officials and advocacy groups have raised issues with Trump's handling of the Social Security Administration (SSA), which is responsible for paying benefits.

The Social Security Administration has announced that it is terminating a research program that focuses on retirement and disability policies. Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek made the announcement in a press release saying that it is an action that supports President Donald Trump's executive order "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.

President Donald Trump and members of his second administration are continuing their effort to swiftly remodel the federal government, including making far-reaching changes to personnel. The president on Wednesday held his first Cabinet meeting, during which he discussed federal jobs, Elon Musk's role, tariffs and Russia.

President Donald Trump on Sunday amended two executive orders to exempt imports valued at less than $800 from Canada and Mexico.