Federal employees are scrambling after the Trump administration sent a mass email this week offering “deferred resignations” with pay and benefits through September if they quit by Feb. 6.
Kevin Bogardus and Robin Bravender report for E&E News.
In short:
- The Trump administration emailed most federal employees offering a resignation deal, which some view as a way to downsize the workforce.
- Employee unions and some civil servants warn the offer may not be legally binding or deliver promised benefits.
- Elon Musk, leading the administration’s newly-created Department of Government Efficiency, called the offer “very generous,” but many workers remain skeptical.
Key quote:
“Don’t be fooled by a fake offer that because he’s terrorized you in the last week, it would be easy to just resign now and get a check for seven months. I can tell you that promise is worth nothing.”
— Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.)
Why this matters:
The push for mass resignations could weaken federal agencies, affecting regulatory enforcement of clean air, clean water and air safety as well as services like disaster response. Unions warn that the offer might not be legally enforceable, leaving employees without expected pay. The move reflects a broader effort to reshape the federal workforce under the new administration.
Related: EPA staff brace for potential departures amid Trump’s return
