The Trump administration has announced a “Deferred Resignation Program,” offering buyouts to nearly 2 million full-time civilian federal employees.
This unprecedented initiative allows employees to leave their jobs by next week, a move the administration hopes will streamline operations and reduce costs.
The program, detailed in an email sent to federal workers and seen by Reuters, allows employees to remain on payroll until September 30 but without needing to report to work, with some duties potentially reduced or eliminated.
The email instructed interested employees to reply with the word “resign” by February 6. However, the offer excludes employees in immigration, national security, and the U.S. Postal Service.
This initiative is part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to reform the federal government by downsizing and restructuring. The administration aims to create a “more streamlined and flexible workforce,” with some agencies expected to cut staff through restructuring, while others, such as the military, may see an increase in personnel.
Federal employees are cautious about the offer, with unions advising against rushed resignations. The National Treasury Employees Union, representing 150,000 federal workers, urged its members to resist the temptation to resign, calling the offer a potential tactic to force employees out.
The email stated, “At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency,” but the administration assured that employees opting into the program would be treated with dignity.
While the exact impact of the program remains unclear, analysts estimate that up to 10% of the federal workforce may resign, potentially saving the government $100 billion.
Elon Musk, appointed by Trump to oversee government spending cuts, initially aimed for a $2 trillion reduction but later revised the figure downward.
The program has sparked mixed reactions among federal employees and unions, raising concerns over mass layoffs and increased job insecurity. Some employees fear being placed on paid administrative leave without clear job assurances.
This initiative follows other directives from the Trump administration, including a hiring freeze for most federal agencies and efforts to reclassify certain employees as “at-will,” making it easier to terminate them without cause.
Critics warn that the program could create a “toxic” work environment, leaving many employees uncertain about their future in the federal workforce.
