As high-profile businesspeople Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy launched their Department of Government Efficiency — part of President-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to slash government spending — House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., cast the federal workforce as avoiding its duties. "Well, there was a report that came out today, I don't know if you all have seen it, but someone did a little survey about how many federal employees are actually working in the office," Johnson told reporters Dec. 5. "By one estimate, it may be about 1%, if you don't count the security personnel that are covering these buildings." He appeared to be citing a report by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, which relied on a Federal News Network survey that produced a low figure of in-office employees but is not comprehensive. The outlet said the survey was not scientific and should not be used to draw conclusions about federal employees. Conversely, the Office of Personnel Management found in 2023 that about 14% of federal employees work remotely full time, and that 32% of federal workers never work remotely. The Office of Management and Budget found that half of federal workers aren’t eligible to work remotely, and that the half who are average three days a week in the office. We rate the statement Pants on Fire!
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