President Donald Trump has introduced a buyout program aimed at federal employees who do not wish to return to office work. This plan is part of his broader strategy to reduce the size of the US government.
Buyout Offer and Details
In an email sent on Tuesday, millions of federal employees were informed that they must decide by 6 February whether to accept the “deferred resignation program.” Employees who agree to leave will receive approximately eight months’ salary as severance.
The Trump administration expects that about 10% of federal workers—roughly 200,000 out of two million employees—will accept the offer. Senior officials told US media that the buyouts could save the government up to $100 billion (£80 billion), according to CBS News.
Employees interested in the buyout must reply to the email with “resign” in the subject line. The offer guarantees salary and benefits until 30 September. However, postal workers, military personnel, immigration officials, and national security staff are excluded from the deal.
Downsizing and Political Motives
The Office of Personnel Management, the government’s HR agency, warned employees that further job cuts might affect those who stay. “We cannot fully assure the certainty of your position or agency,” the email stated. “Should your role be eliminated, you will be treated with dignity.”
Trump has previously stated that remote federal workers, a legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic, must return to the office five days a week. White House deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, explained that federal employees tend to lean left politically. Therefore, it is “essential” for Trump to assert control over government operations.
Trump has long promised to reduce government spending and bureaucracy. He appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead an advisory panel focused on slashing regulations, costs, and workforce numbers. Ramaswamy has since exited the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE).
Similarities to Previous Moves
The structure of the email resembles a 2022 message sent to Twitter (now X) employees after Musk acquired the platform. That message also required employees to directly respond if they chose to stay.
Confusion Over Grant Suspensions and New Policies
The buyout plan came after a turbulent day in Washington. Trump issued a memo pausing federal grants, loans, and assistance. However, a district judge temporarily blocked this order until next Monday.
Before the ruling, confusion spread about which federal programs and agencies would be affected. The White House reassured the public that Social Security and Medicaid would remain unaffected. Despite this, top Democrats expressed “extreme alarm” in a letter condemning the funding pause.
Executive Order on Gender-Affirming Care
On the same day, Trump signed an executive order restricting gender-affirming care for minors. The order, titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” prohibits individuals under 19 from making “life-altering” medical decisions.
“The US government will not fund, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another,” the order declares. Enforcement of this policy remains uncertain, and legal challenges are expected.