The Trump administration has offered buyout packages to nearly all federal employees unwilling to return to in-office work, marking a significant step in President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce the size of the U.S. government.
In an email sent to millions of federal workers on Tuesday, the administration announced a “deferred resignation program”, giving employees until February 6 to decide whether to accept the offer. Those who opt in will receive approximately eight months of salary as a severance package and will continue receiving pay and benefits until September 30.
Up to 200,000 Employees Expected to Accept Buyout
The administration anticipates that up to 10% of the federal workforce—around 200,000 employees—will take the buyout, according to CBS News. Senior officials estimate that the move could save the government up to $100 billion.
Workers wishing to accept the deal were instructed to reply to the email with “resign” in the subject line. However, certain employees—including postal workers, military personnel, immigration officials, and national security staff—were excluded from the offer.
The email, sent by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), also warned remaining employees about potential layoffs.
“We cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency, but should your position be eliminated, you will be treated with dignity,” the message read.
The buyout offer follows Trump’s earlier directive requiring all federal employees who have been working remotely since the COVID-19 pandemic to return to the office five days a week.
Trump Officials: Move Aims to Regain Control Over Federal Workforce
Speaking to CNN on Tuesday, Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy, said the federal workforce was “overwhelmingly left of center,” arguing that it was “essential” for Trump to “get control of government.”
Since his campaign, Trump has pledged to cut government spending and reduce the federal workforce. He previously appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead an advisory body—dubbed the “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge)—tasked with slashing regulations, spending, and personnel. However, Ramaswamy has since left the group.
Parallels to Musk’s Twitter Layoffs
The mass buyout email bears striking similarities to Elon Musk’s handling of Twitter (now X) after acquiring the platform in 2022. At the time, Musk also sent an email instructing employees to respond if they wished to remain with the company.
Confusion Over Federal Funding Suspension
The buyout offer coincided with a chaotic day in Washington, following Trump’s issuance of a memo temporarily pausing federal grants, loans, and other assistance.
A district judge later suspended the order—initially set to take effect Tuesday afternoon—until next Monday. In the hours before that decision, there was widespread confusion over which federal programs would be affected. The White House repeatedly reassured the public that Social Security payments and Medicaid access would not be disrupted.
In response, top Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to the White House expressing “extreme alarm” over the funding pause.
New Executive Order on Gender-Affirming Care
Also on Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.” The order aims to restrict gender-affirming care for minors, stating that the U.S. government will not fund, promote, or support gender transitions for individuals under 19.
However, the legal implications of the order remain unclear, and experts anticipate court challenges against its enforcement.
