The Trump administration is offering financial incentives for 2 million full-time federal workers to resign under a “deferred resignation program.” Employees who opt in can stay on payroll until Sept. 30 without working in person, potentially having duties reduced or eliminated.
A government email, seen by Reuters, instructed employees to respond with “resign” by Feb. 6 if they wish to participate. The offer excludes immigration, national security, and U.S. Postal Service employees.
Trump aims to shrink and restructure the government, with some agencies expanding while most face layoffs. The workforce share in the U.S. has declined for decades, now under 2% of the non-farm workforce.
The email warned that job security cannot be guaranteed. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine called it a “fake offer,” questioning its legality. NBC News reported an estimated 5%-10% workforce reduction, possibly saving $100 billion.
Elon Musk, tasked with cutting government spending, initially targeted $2 trillion but revised expectations lower. The email, titled “Fork in the Road,” mirrored Musk’s 2022 Twitter memo. The White House declined to comment.
Federal unions urged workers not to resign, warning the email aims to “entice or scare” them. The National Treasury Employees Union strongly advised against participating.
A separate memo directed agencies to reassign or eliminate duties of those opting in, placing them on paid leave until Sept. 30. Participants can take another job and accrue retirement benefits.
Trump also ordered a hiring freeze, targeting probationary employees for layoffs and easing the firing process. Critics argue these moves make federal jobs untenable.
Union leaders warn of a “toxic environment” designed to push workers out, urging employees to reconsider before resigning.
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