Trump Administration Increased Federal Workers' Paid Leave by 435%

Federal agencies increased their use of administrative leave by 435% last year, resulting in $9.5 billion paid to federal workers to stay home in 2025, according to a government report. This surge in paid leave coincided with significant cuts in federal grants across all 50 US states during the Trump administration.

The report highlights that the Trump administration cut $177 billion in federal grants nationwide. Meanwhile, the use of administrative leave by federal agencies soared, with costs reaching $9.5 billion in 2025. Experts note that this increase reflects a substantial shift in workforce management during that period.

Specialists have pointed out that the Trump administration's policies led to the departure of experienced government experts, impacting federal operations. The rise in paid leave is seen as a costly consequence of these changes, with some describing the return on investment as significant for taxpayers.