The US spent $6.7 billion on paid leave before laying off federal workers.

The US government spent about $6.7 billion on paid leave for federal employees before they were fired as part of government restructuring.

Use of paid administrative leave increased 435% from 2023 to 2025.

The restructuring program saved the government more than $20 billion annually through workforce reductions.

WASHINGTON, September 16 – RIA Novosti. US authorities spent about $6.7 billion on paid leave for federal employees before their dismissal during the restructuring of the government apparatus at the initiative of American leader Donald Trump, the US Government Accountability Office reported.

In 2025, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management recommended that federal agencies place their employees on paid administrative leave before permanently terminating their employment.

"The Government Accountability Office estimates that in 2025, federal agencies in our review spent $9.5 billion on salaries for employees on paid administrative leave... The Chamber estimates that about $6.7 billion of that amount is related to the deferred separation program," the report said.

An analysis of payroll data from 76 federal agencies found that the use of paid administrative leave increased by 435% from 2023 to 2025. During the period of government restructuring, the cost of these payments exceeded the 2023 figure by six times.

The US Office of Personnel Management, in a commentary on the report, said it embarked on a federal agency restructuring program with a clear understanding of its costs.

“Administrative leave under the deferred separation program was time-limited, with participants placed on leave no earlier than January 28, 2025, and generally separated by September 30, 2025, and some retiring employees remained on leave until December 31, 2025,” the human resources office said.

According to her estimates, this format of layoffs saved the government more than 20 billion annually by reducing staff.