A federal judge has temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s buyout offer to federal civilian employees just hours before the deadline for more than 2 million employees to decide on resignation packages with pay through September. The deadline was extended until at least Monday by a judge in Massachusetts who responded to a lawsuit filed by federal workers unions citing concerns that the administration could not guarantee pay beyond the expiration date of the existing budget on March 14.
About 40,000 out of the 2.3 million eligible employees have reportedly accepted the buyout offer, a significant increase from the initial reports of around 20,000. President Trump is reportedly planning mass layoffs for those who do not accept the buyouts, with the goal of slashing between 5% and 10% of the federal workforce through this initiative.
The CIA, which was initially exempt from the buyout offer, has extended the option to all its employees and implemented a hiring freeze. The majority of civilian staff are eligible for the buyouts, while military personnel, US Postal Service employees, immigration enforcement and national security workers, and public safety employees are exempt. Agency heads can also identify exemptions within their departments.
Guidance from the Office of Personnel Management states that once employees take a buyout, they are not required to work. However, sample contracts sent to some employees indicate they must work through February 28 and will be put on paid leave starting March 1. The pay guarantee through September 30 is subject to the availability of appropriations approved by Congress by the current budget’s expiration on March 14.
Billionaire Elon Musk has been appointed by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, overseeing the cuts in various government agencies. The effort to reduce the federal government’s size includes freezing hiring, eliminating certain agencies, and halting operations at agencies such as the Department of Education.
Critics, including unions representing government workers, have filed lawsuits challenging the legality of the buyouts, arguing that the government cannot guarantee pay beyond the current budget’s expiration. The Office of Personnel Management has defended the offer, stating it was designed to support employees through restructuring.
Overall, the Trump administration’s plan to significantly reduce the federal workforce could lead to the largest layoff in U.S. history if the goal of cutting 5% to 10% of staff is achieved. The administration has faced criticism for its actions, including firing inspectors general and Justice Department staff, placing diversity, equity, and inclusion employees on paid leave, and ordering agencies to cut DEI programs.
In conclusion, the ongoing developments surrounding the federal buyout offer highlight the challenges and controversies faced by the Trump administration in its efforts to reshape the federal government.
Thursday, February 6, 2025