Federal Employees Were Paid $9.5 Billion Not to Work in 2025 Under DOGE Effort

In a bold attempt to downsize the federal workforce, the Department of Government Efficiency's DOGE program saw federal employees being paid a staggering $9.5 billion for administrative leave in 2025. This initiative led to a 435 percent increase in paid leave costs, sparking debates over the program's effectiveness and fiscal responsibility. The implications of this move raise questions about future federal spending and the government's approach to workforce management. For more details, check out the full story in The New York Times.