They thought these people were cheap, dime a dozen government workers who either did unnecessary jobs, or jobs anybody else could and would do cheaper.

Any GOOD administrator knows replacement hires are down time when efficiency and productivity drop off radically as new employees learn specifics of the job. It is an expensive and grossly inefficient way to run a business.

Don't look for efficiency, productivity, or most any kind of professionalism in Trump, musk, or DOGE. Don't ask the GOP Congress or MAGA comstituents about this either.