Trump Administration Offers Buyout to 2 Million Federal Workers, Encouraging Resignations
Email Sent to Federal Workforce Features Subject Line Echoing Elon Musk’s Past Messaging
The Trump administration has extended an offer to approximately 2 million federal employees, allowing them to voluntarily resign in exchange for continued pay through September. The initiative, referred to as a “deferred resignation,” was announced via a mass email sent to federal workers on Tuesday evening.
A senior administration official told NBC News that they anticipate 5% to 10% of the workforce may accept the offer, potentially reducing government spending by an estimated $100 billion.
All full-time federal employees are eligible to participate, except for members of the military, U.S. Postal Service workers, and those in positions related to national security and immigration enforcement.
White House Justifies Program as Cost-Saving Measure
“American taxpayers fund the salaries of federal government employees and deserve workers who show up and contribute in our wonderful federal buildings,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated. “If they don’t want to work in the office and help make America great again, they are free to choose a different path. The Trump administration is offering a generous payout of eight months’ salary.”
The email sent to federal employees included a draft resignation letter and instructions on how to accept the offer. Those willing to participate can simply reply with the word “resign.” The resignation window remains open until February 6.
Implications for Federal Workforce and Concerns Raised
Employees who accept the buyout will retain full salary and benefits until September 30, 2025, and will be exempt from in-person work requirements. However, the email also included a cautionary note for those choosing to remain in their roles.
“At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency,” the email reads. “However, should your position be eliminated, you will be treated with dignity and will receive applicable protections.”
The initiative has drawn sharp criticism from federal employee unions. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), strongly opposed the program, arguing that it undermines public services.
“The number of civil servants has remained relatively unchanged since 1970, but more Americans than ever depend on government services,” Kelley stated. “Purging the federal workforce of dedicated career professionals will create chaos and unintended consequences for the public.”
He also accused the administration of creating a “toxic environment” for federal workers.
Elon Musk’s Influence?
Notably, the subject line of the mass email—“Fork in the Road”—mirrors a message tech billionaire Elon Musk sent to Twitter employees shortly after acquiring the company, which he later rebranded as X. Musk, who now heads the Trump administration’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency, has also commissioned an art piece titled A Fork in the Road, which remains pinned to his X profile.
While White House officials declined to confirm Musk’s involvement in the federal resignation initiative, the similarities have fueled speculation about his influence on the administration’s workforce strategy.
As federal employees weigh their options, the Trump administration remains firm in its stance that the offer is a step toward greater efficiency and cost savings. Whether this move will streamline government operations or disrupt essential services remains to be seen.