Federal officials circulated a memo asking agency leaders to plan even more job reductions after thousands of federal workers were fired in recent weeks.

By Trevor Hunnicutt, Alexandra Alper and Andy Sullivan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday laid the groundwork for more large-scale layoffs, as downsizing czar Elon Musk pledged that he would move quickly to slash spending.

Agencies are directed to submit by March 13 their plans for what is known as a reduction in force, which would not only lay off employees but eliminate the position altogether.