The Trump administration is moving forward with an aggressive plan to reshape the federal workforce, offering a buyout to all 2 million federal employees.
The move is part of a broader effort by President Trump to reduce government bureaucracy and rein in what conservatives have long criticized as an overgrown and inefficient federal workforce.
Emails sent to federal employees Tuesday evening informed them that they can resign by February 6 in exchange for retaining their benefits and being paid through September.
The buyout applies to all full-time federal employees except military personnel, U.S. Postal Service workers, and positions related to immigration enforcement and national security.
The emails make it clear that those who choose to stay in their positions may not be guaranteed job security.
“If you choose to remain in your current position, we thank you for your renewed focus on serving the American people,” the email states, while warning, “At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position.”
The Trump administration’s move comes as part of a larger push to reinstate in-person work across federal agencies, reversing the widespread remote work policies that became commonplace during the pandemic.
On his first day back in office, Trump signed a memorandum directing all executive branch departments and agencies to “take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in-person at their respective duty stations on a full-time basis.”
Beyond just the return-to-office order, Trump has wasted no time asserting control over the federal bureaucracy.
He has removed more than a dozen inspectors general, ousted Justice Department prosecutors tied to former special counsel Jack Smith’s team, and issued an executive order strengthening presidential authority over federal employees.
The Trump administration expects 5 to 10 percent of federal employees to take the buyout, which could lead to hundreds of thousands of departures.
Democrats and Federal Unions Push Back
As expected, government employee unions and Democratic lawmakers have condemned the move, framing it as an attempt to “purge” the federal workforce.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), a longtime defender of government unions, issued a stark warning to federal employees, casting doubt on Trump’s buyout offer.
“Trump sows chaos in federal workforce then says ‘resign within a week and I’ll give you 7 months severance.’ Don’t fall for it! Trump told innumerable contractors he’d pay—then stiffed them. He has no authority to promise severance pay. Wait him out!” Kaine wrote on X.
Fed worker issues:
Explain why NOT going to office
Explain remote work
What was your job
Why should I hire U
“Democratic lawmakers have condemned the move, framing it as an attempt to “purge” the federal workforce.” Well, for once the dim wits have it right. It is an attempt (long, long over due) to purge the excess from the guvment.
Trump is on the side of the American people. He has to have time to vet each employee….and this will give them the chance to do it. He has that right as President. Kaine is obviously not wanting to give up any opportunity at furthering the Deep State agenda and is encouraging them to stick it out, hoping to get their people in to cause trouble for the Trump administration (and for the people who elected him.) Ants cannot make honey with the bees. Kaine needs to buzz off!
As expected, government employee unions and Democratic lawmakers have condemned the move, framing it as an attempt to “purge” the federal workforce.
Of course it is an attempt to purge the federal workforce of unproductive “workers”. Offering an incentive to voluntarily exit is the stated purpose of the offer.