Approximately 20,000 federal employees have accepted the Trump administration’s buyout offer, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
The program, announced last week, aims to reduce the size of the federal workforce by offering employees compensation to resign.
U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS RECEIVED MORE THAN 20,000 DEFERRED RESIGNATION REQUESTS, BUT NUMBER IS RISING AHEAD OF DEADLINE — SOURCE
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) February 4, 2025
Under the buyout terms, those who opt-in are placed on administrative leave with pay until September 30, without any work duties.
However, the initiative excludes military personnel, U.S. Postal Service employees, and workers in immigration enforcement and national security roles. Agencies also had discretion to exempt additional positions, with some, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, opting out entirely.
The deadline for accepting the offer is Thursday, and Trump officials are still anticipating a last-minute surge.
Despite its rapid implementation, the program has sparked controversy.
Labor unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees and the National Treasury Employees Union, have urged their members to reject the offer, citing concerns over potential coercion and lack of clarity regarding future benefits. Lawmakers have also questioned whether the program has proper funding and legal authority, warning that employees may not receive promised compensation.
While the administration claims the buyout will streamline government operations and cut costs, critics argue it could create staffing shortages and disrupt essential services.
The full impact of the buyout remains uncertain as more employees weigh their options. With additional departures expected in the coming weeks, the administration’s efforts to reshape the federal workforce continue to face scrutiny.
