Trump Administration Unveils Federal Buyout Plan to Cut Workforce

The Trump administration has launched a new federal buyout initiative, the Deferred Resignation Program, aimed at reshaping the federal workforce and reducing government spending. The program offers full pay and benefits through September to civilian employees who voluntarily resign by February 6. Nearly 2 million federal workers are eligible.

Officials say the program is designed to incentivize voluntary exits, particularly among those reluctant to return to in-person work. Currently, only 6% of federal employees in Washington, D.C. are reported to be working on-site, a figure the administration sees as unsustainable.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied accusations that the move is politically motivated. “This is not a purge,” she stated. “It’s a cost-saving measure focused on efficiency, not ideology.”

Supporters of the program argue it’s a pragmatic solution for modernizing public service. They believe it creates opportunities to bring in a more responsive and performance-driven workforce, while offering a respectful exit path for those unwilling to adapt to post-pandemic office expectations.

But critics — including federal unions and employee advocates — warn of unintended consequences. They fear the loss of experienced career professionals could erode institutional knowledge and damage the government’s ability to serve the public.

As the deadline approaches, the program has become a flashpoint in a broader debate over the size, role, and structure of the federal workforce. Its long-term impact could reshape not just staffing, but the nature of government service in the U.S.