In a bold move to shrink and reform the U.S. government, President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial offer: federal workers can resign and still receive eight months of pay.
An email sent from the Trump administration outlines the “deferred resignation” program, giving federal employees until February 6 to decide. If they accept, they must leave their jobs by the end of September.
The program exempts them from in-office work requirements for the remainder of their contracts.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) clarified that employees accepting the deal are “not expected to work” except in rare cases.
However, many workers remain confused about how the program will play out in practice.
Trump Administration Targets Remote Work and Federal Spending
This offer follows Trump’s recent return to the White House, where he declared an end to Covid-era remote work policies.
Federal employees are now expected to work on-site five days a week, a key part of planned government reforms.
The White House claims the incentive could save up to $100 billion. Still, it excludes specific groups like postal workers, military personnel, immigration officials, and national security staff.
The email warns remaining employees of potential downsizing, stating, “We cannot guarantee the certainty of your position, but should it be eliminated, you will be treated with dignity.”
Reactions and Backlash
Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff for policy, said the program is essential to help Trump “get control of government,” alleging that federal workers are “overwhelmingly left of center.”
However, the initiative has sparked widespread criticism. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union condemned it as a “purging process” that could disrupt federal services.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine questioned Trump’s authority, warning workers not to trust the offer, saying, “He doesn’t have the power to do this.”
Comparisons to Elon Musk’s Approach
The email has drawn comparisons to Elon Musk’s controversial management style.
Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy are both part of Trump’s advisory team for reducing federal government size and spending, though Ramaswamy recently left to run for governor of Ohio.
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Broader Impacts on Federal Policies
This mass resignation offer is part of a broader push by Trump to cut government spending and reduce federal programs.
The same day the email was sent, Trump paused federal grants and loans through an executive order.
While a district judge temporarily blocked the order, it created confusion over which programs would be affected, raising concerns about Social Security and Medicaid disruptions.
The offer has left federal employees grappling with uncertainty as they weigh the promise of financial security against the potential risks of resignation.
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