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GAO Report Shows Federal Workers Received $9.5 Billion in Administrative Leave Amid DOGE Cuts
Just the facts
A report published by the Government Accountability Office documented that the federal government expended $9.5 billion on administrative leave for civil servants during 2025. The findings indicate a 435 percent increase in the use of administrative leave compared to 2023 levels, resulting in a sixfold cost expansion. The rise occurred during attempts by the Department of Government Efficiency to downsize federal agencies and reallocate personnel. Lawmakers and oversight committees are reviewing the report's details regarding agency management practices.
Why this is news
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed that the U.S. government paid federal employees $9.5 billion while on administrative leave in 2025. The spending occurred alongside workforce reduction initiatives managed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.