USDA faces lawsuit over massive staff turnover tied to nationwide relocations

The USDA is preparing for a large-scale reshuffle of its workforce, planning to add 16,000 employees while expecting many current staff to depart as offices are moved across the country. Labor unions, nonprofit groups and local governments have filed a lawsuit seeking a court order to stop the relocations, claiming they are a covert effort to reduce staff. DOJ attorneys have described the reorganization as including “downsizing” tools, though the department insists the moves rely on voluntary actions and will not result in large-scale layoffs.

Union leaders cite internal surveys showing that up to 94% of affected workers would quit rather than relocate, especially to Kansas City, Missouri. Documents submitted to the court show the USDA requested an extension of its Voluntary Early Retirement Authority in February 2026 to support workforce reductions, and the agency has already seen a net loss of nearly 16,000 employees since the previous administration. Critics warn that the loss of seasoned employees, particularly in grant-program management, could leave critical gaps in expertise. The agency says hiring will focus on early-career staff and that essential services will continue uninterrupted.