Thousands of federal employees resign under Trump’s offer, impacting the workforce.

Tens of thousands of federal workers have accepted an early resignation offer from the Trump administration. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce the federal workforce. The resignations could impact government operations, with experts weighing in on the potential effects.

Tens of thousands of U.S. government workers have accepted a resignation offer from the Trump administration, which allows them to continue receiving pay until September 30. The program, similar to a gradual buyout, was offered to two million federal employees, with around 20,000 to 40,000 opting in so far. The administration initially expected up to 200,000 participants. The initiative, aimed at reducing the federal workforce and cutting costs, has faced legal challenges from unions, who argue it is unfair and unreliable. Some employees fear it may not be honored, while others worry about layoffs for those who decline. Protests against the broader federal overhaul have also emerged.

The Trump administration introduced a voluntary resignation program for federal employees, aiming to reduce the size of the federal workforce and cut government spending. This program allowed employees who opted in to continue receiving pay until September 30. While two million federal workers were eligible for this offer, around 20,000 to 40,000 had accepted it ahead of the Thursday deadline. The administration initially expected as many as 200,000 participants and anticipated a last-minute surge in resignations.

Purpose and Implementation of the Resignation Program

This initiative was part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to downsize the federal bureaucracy, aligning with its push to reduce government spending and streamline operations. The resignation offer was presented as a buyout, where employees could leave voluntarily in exchange for extended pay and benefits. The White House announced the program in a late-night email, signaling urgency.

Notably, even national security agencies were included in the initiative. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) became the first to offer this resignation deal to its employees. CIA Director John Ratcliffe personally endorsed the move, extending the offer to the entire agency. However, there were uncertainties about who exactly could accept the deal, as some specialized positions might be restricted. Additionally, the CIA froze hiring for candidates who had already received conditional job offers, suggesting a shift in agency priorities under the Trump administration.

Legal and Union Opposition

Despite the administration’s confidence in the program, it faced strong opposition from unions representing federal workers. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal employee union, filed a lawsuit to block the mass resignation scheme. AFGE argued that the offer was “arbitrary and capricious,” violating federal employment laws.

A significant concern was that employees who accepted the deal had to waive their right to legally challenge their employer. This created uncertainty, as there was no absolute guarantee that the government would honor the extended pay until September, especially since the current federal budget was set to expire in March. If Congress did not pass new funding, employees could face financial instability despite their participation in the program.

Employee Reactions: Fear, Uncertainty, and Skepticism

Among federal employees, reactions to the resignation offer were mixed. Many felt the offer was coercive, implying that if they did not accept, they could face involuntary layoffs in the near future. Some described the initiative as threatening, with an underlying message of “take it or leave it—or risk losing your job anyway.”

Several employees voiced skepticism about whether they would actually receive the promised pay and benefits. One worker, who had been with the federal government for over two decades, called the offer “rude and appalling.” Others who had already accepted the resignation admitted they were not entirely confident the administration would follow through on its promises.

One employee expressed hope that the buyout program was legitimate but also feared it could be a “scam.” The atmosphere within federal agencies was reportedly filled with anxiety and confusion, as workers weighed whether to take the deal or risk staying under an administration intent on cutting jobs.

Political and Public Reactions

The resignation program was part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to reshape the federal government. These efforts included crackdowns on immigration, banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and increasing tariffs to target China. These policies sparked controversy and resistance from both federal workers and the public.

Republicans in Congress largely supported the initiative. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the administration’s management of taxpayer dollars, calling the downsizing of government a “long overdue, much welcome development.” Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who had influenced some of Trump’s policies, was also reportedly supportive of reducing the federal workforce.

However, these government reforms triggered widespread protests across the country. While some demonstrations were small, larger gatherings—such as one in Michigan with over 1,000 participants—reflected significant opposition to the administration’s handling of federal employment and other policies.

Uncertain Future for Federal Workers

Looking ahead, it remained unclear how many more federal employees would opt into the resignation program before the deadline. Reports suggested that those who declined the offer could face forced layoffs in the near future. The administration’s approach created an environment of instability, where employees who remained were uncertain about their job security.

Overall, the voluntary resignation scheme was a high-stakes gamble by the Trump administration to quickly downsize the federal government. While some employees took the offer, fearing forced layoffs, others resisted, backed by unions fighting against what they saw as an unfair and legally questionable program. The outcome of the program—and its long-term effects on the federal workforce—remained uncertain.

The Trump administration’s federal employee resignation program was a controversial effort to reduce government size and cut spending. While thousands of employees accepted the offer, concerns over job security, legality, and financial stability cast doubt on the program’s effectiveness. Opposition from unions, lawsuits, and public protests highlighted the deep skepticism surrounding the initiative.

Many employees felt pressured into resigning, fearing forced layoffs if they declined. Additionally, uncertainty over whether the promised extended pay would be honored made the offer seem risky. Political leaders and business figures like Elon Musk supported the program, but it also fueled nationwide resistance against broader government reforms.

Ultimately, the program left federal workers in a state of anxiety and confusion. Whether it achieved its intended goals or simply created further instability in the federal workforce remained uncertain.