US federal workers have till next week to accept Trump's buyout offer to resign—live updates

 

US federal workers have till next week to accept Trump's buyout offer to resign—live updates

Trump Offers Federal Workers Buyouts to Resign Amid Government Reshaping Efforts

In a major push to overhaul the U.S. federal workforce, the Trump administration has offered government employees buyout packages worth more than seven months’ salary to voluntarily resign.

A memo circulated Tuesday evening outlined four key directives, including a mandatory return to office for most federal workers. It also introduced stricter suitability and conduct standards and warned of significant downsizing across multiple agencies. Employees have until February 6 to accept the buyout offer.

Mass Firings and Workforce Reduction Under Project 2025

With over 3 million employees, the U.S. government ranks among the nation’s largest employers. The proposed changes align with Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint that advocates for mass layoffs of federal workers and replacing many positions with political appointees.

Union Backlash and Workforce Concerns

Labor unions and federal employee advocates have condemned the initiative. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), denounced the move, calling it a politically motivated purge targeting career civil servants.

“Purging the federal government of dedicated career employees will create chaos and disrupt essential services for millions of Americans who rely on a functioning government,” the AFGE said in a statement.

As concerns grow over the future of federal employment, analysts warn that this move could have long-term consequences for government agencies, workforce stability, and public services.