Federal workforce shrank 10% in Trump’s first year back in office
The federal workforce shrank by 10.3% in 2025, losing nearly 238,000 workers. Among major agencies, the Education Department and USAID had the steepest cuts.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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5 facts about Americans’ views of government
The public has long been divided over the role of government, but on certain issues there is bipartisan agreement that government should play a major role.
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Where Americans stand on the economy, immigration and other issues as Trump addresses Congress
Ahead of President Donald Trump’s address to Congress, here’s a look at U.S. public opinion on key policy issues.
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What the data says about U.S. foreign aid
The $71.9 billion in foreign aid that the government spent in fiscal year 2023 works out to 1.2% of that year’s total federal spending.
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Globally, Government Restrictions on Religion Reached Peak Levels in 2021, While Social Hostilities Went Down
In 2021, government restrictions on religion – laws, policies and actions by state officials that limit religious beliefs and practices – reached a new peak globally. Harassment of religious groups and interference in worship were two of the most common forms of government restrictions worldwide that year.
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Older Workers Are Growing in Number and Earning Higher Wages
Roughly one-in-five Americans ages 65 and older were employed in 2023 – nearly double the share of those who were working 35 years ago.
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AI in Hiring and Evaluating Workers: What Americans Think
62% of Americans believe artificial intelligence will have a major impact on jobholders overall in the next 20 years, but far fewer think it will greatly affect them personally. Majorities oppose using AI in making final decisions on hiring or firing.
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3. Economic and policy changes
Majorities in most of the 24 countries surveyed say the economy in their country is in bad shape. In some places, these concerns color how people think democracy in their country could work better: by focusing on economic conditions and jobs. Economic reform, including issues like taxation, jobs, inflation and wealth inequality, ranks in the […]
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As AI Spreads, Experts Predict the Best and Worst Changes in Digital Life by 2035
As they watch the splashy emergence of generative artificial intelligence and an array of other AI applications, experts participating in a new Pew Research Center canvassing say they have deep concerns about people’s and society’s overall well-being. At the same time, they expect to see great benefits in health care, scientific advances and education
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1. Americans’ experiences earning money through online gig platforms
As online services reshape how Americans go about their lives and tech developments mold the future of work, the rise of digital “gig platforms” has transformed how some people find jobs. From ride-hailing companies to services enabling deliveries of packages, groceries or restaurant meals, to apps connecting people with others who can help them complete […]