The Trump administration’s federal worker buyout is showing mixed results and potential unintended consequences. Over 20,000 employees have signed up so far, with administration officials projecting $100 billion in savings, though experts consider these estimates unrealistic.
The program allows employees who accept to receive pay and benefits through Sept. 30 while being placed on administrative leave by the end of the current month.
Some employees are skeptical about the program’s legitimacy, citing concerns about the informal email-based acceptance process and potential legal challenges. Others have become more determined to stay in their positions, viewing their role as a commitment to public service.
The buyout is part of a larger federal workforce shake-up under President Donald Trump. Other significant changes include shutting down entire divisions like the U.S. Agency for International Development, implementing a hiring freeze and placing DEI employees on leave. Additionally, approximately 1,000 EPA employees working on climate change have been put on probation.
The administration is also targeting telework policies, with a new directive requiring employees to return to offices and questioning the legality of minimum telework requirements in collective bargaining agreements. Despite controversy around these changes, some measures are gaining public support, with a Morning Consult poll showing 55% of voters favoring the return-to-office order.
Congressional Democrats have expressed concerns about the buyout program, with Rep. Gerald E. Connolly calling it an “illegal scam” that could lead to a devastating loss of experienced federal workers. The program excludes military, national security-related positions and postal service workers, with agencies able to designate additional exempt positions.
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