Trump Administration Dismisses AI Specialists Recruited Under Biden
Over 200 AI experts hired by the Biden administration were reportedly let go under Trump, disrupting federal AI initiatives, according to former officials.
Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized the importance of U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), signing multiple executive orders to boost AI integration in government and education. However, his administration's mass layoffs of federal employees—including over 200 AI experts hired during Biden's tenure—have undermined these efforts, according to former officials.
Key Points:
- Biden's AI Talent Surge: In its final 18 months, the Biden administration launched the "National AI Talent Surge" to recruit AI specialists into federal roles. These experts worked on projects like reducing Social Security wait times, simplifying tax filings, and improving veterans' medical care tracking.
- Mass Layoffs Under Trump: Most of these hires were terminated shortly after Trump took office, largely due to sweeping cuts by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, which targeted probationary and term employees. Additional dismissals occurred when Musk's team absorbed the U.S. Digital Service and shuttered 18F, a tech office supporting initiatives like the IRS's Direct File program.
- Contradictory Priorities: Despite Trump's push for AI dominance, his administration's erratic workforce reductions have left agencies scrambling to rehire AI talent—often at higher costs through private contractors.
- Recruitment Challenges: Former officials, including Julie Siegel (Biden's OMB) and Deirdre Mulligan (Biden's AI Initiative Office), warn that the layoffs have damaged trust in federal employment, making future recruitment difficult.
- Impact on Talent Pipeline: Angelica Quirarte, a recruiter hired under Biden, helped bring in ~250 AI experts. After Trump's actions, only ~10% remained. Quirarte resigned after 23 days, citing a toxic work environment.
External Links:
"It’s really important to have stability... and to have people not be wondering from one day to the next whether they’re going to be employed," said Mulligan.
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About the Author
David Chen
AI Startup Analyst
Senior analyst focusing on AI startup ecosystem with 11 years of venture capital and startup analysis experience. Former member of Sequoia Capital AI investment team, now independent analyst writing AI startup and investment analysis articles for Forbes, Harvard Business Review and other publications.