Trump to Lay Off Federal Workers After Paralyzing Labor Panels

President Donald Trump is starting mass layoffs of federal employees while undermining avenues for federal workers to appeal their firing, leaving them with limited legal options.

Trump directed agency heads Feb. 11 to “undertake preparations to initiate large-scale reductions in force” that focus on discharging workers who “perform functions not mandated by statute,” including “diversity, equity and inclusion programs.”

That directive runs contrary to federal regulations that require agencies to write a detailed list of jobs they want to cut, taking into account factors such as geography, salary, and job description. If the Trump administration skips those ...