
The Trump administration unveils a bold “deferred resignation” plan for federal workers, offering generous buyouts to those who choose to leave their jobs.
Top Takeaways
- Trump administration offers buyouts to nearly all federal employees, encouraging a return to in-person work
- Employees have until February 6 to opt into the program, which could save up to $100 billion annually
- The plan excludes military personnel, U.S. Postal Services, and national security positions
- Critics argue the offer may not be truly voluntary and could disrupt government services
Trump Administration’s Bold Move to Reshape Federal Workforce
In a sweeping effort to streamline government operations and cut costs, the Trump administration has introduced a “deferred resignation” program for federal employees. This innovative approach offers workers the option to resign now while continuing to receive their pay and benefits until September 30, 2025. The administration anticipates that this initiative could lead to a 5-10% reduction in the federal workforce, potentially saving taxpayers up to $100 billion annually.
The buyout program, which excludes military personnel, U.S. Postal Services, immigration enforcement, and national security positions, is part of a broader strategy to enhance government efficiency and productivity. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the administration’s commitment to these goals, stating, “After four years of incompetence and failure, President Donald Trump is committed to making our government efficient and productive again.”
Return to In-Person Work and Accountability Measures
A key aspect of the administration’s plan is the emphasis on returning to in-person work. Most remote federal employees are expected to return to the office five days a week. This directive is part of a broader accountability framework outlined in a government-wide email, which includes four pillars: return to in-person work, accountability for policy-making employees, accountability for senior executives, and a merit-based hiring process.
Leavitt further elaborated on the administration’s stance:
“If they don’t want to work in the office and contribute to making America great again, then they are free to choose a different line of work, and the Trump Administration will provide a very generous payout of eight months.”
The Buyout Offer: Details and Implementation
The administration has set up a new email system to communicate the buyout offer to federal workers. The email, with the subject line “Fork in the Road,” includes a draft resignation letter and instructions for employees to reply with “resign” if they wish to accept the offer. This approach bears similarities to Elon Musk’s strategy at Twitter (now X), where he asked employees to opt in to continue working.
Employees have until February 6 to decide whether to participate in the buyout program. Those who choose to resign will receive a generous payout of 8 months’ salary, in addition to retaining their pay and benefits until September 30, 2025.
Trumps offer is a fed worker will get paid until September 2025 if they resign before Feb 6
Honestly a better deal than most in the private sector even get https://t.co/BZDddjwJYg
— Saagar Enjeti (@esaagar) January 28, 2025
Potential Impact and Criticism
While the administration touts the potential cost savings and efficiency gains of this initiative, critics have raised concerns about its impact on government services. AFGE National President Everett Kelley has questioned whether the offer is truly voluntary and warned about potential disruptions to government operations.
The plan also includes expectations for physical office consolidation and relocations, which could further reshape the federal workforce landscape. As the February 6 deadline approaches, many federal employees face a critical decision that could significantly impact their careers and the future of government operations.