The Trump administration has launched a federal buyout initiative called the “deferred resignation program,” targeting nearly 2 million civilian employees.
It offers full pay and benefits through September for workers who resign by February 6, aiming to cut costs and boost in-person work. Currently, only 6% of federal employees in Washington, D.C., report on-site, which officials say hampers productivity.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied the program is a political purge, stressing its focus on efficiency and savings. Supporters see it as a voluntary reform to modernize public service, giving space for a more accountable workforce. Critics, including unions, warn it could push out experienced staff, weakening essential services. The program’s outcome could reshape federal employment.
