WASHINGTON — On Thursday, a federal judge granted a temporary injunction against President Donald Trump’s controversial program designed to incentivize federal employees to resign by offering financial benefits. This ruling adds to the ongoing turmoil surrounding the futures of countless government workers.
The decision came just hours before the deadline for employees to opt into the deferred resignation plan. U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. based in Boston instructed the administration to extend the deadline until after a court hearing scheduled for Monday afternoon. Although O’Toole refrained from commenting on the program’s legal standing, which has faced opposition from numerous labor unions, he signaled that he would evaluate the arguments next week.
In light of the ruling, White House Press Secretary Karoline Levitt revealed that more than 40,000 federal employees had shown interest in leaving their positions in exchange for compensation through September 30.
“We urge federal workers to take advantage of this generous offer,” she stated around the time the judge’s decision was made public. “For those who prefer not to continue working, they can accept this buyout, and we will seek highly qualified individuals to fill their roles.”
The deferred resignation initiative was conceptualized by Elon Musk, the billionaire and prominent Trump adviser. This program aligns with the Republican president’s goal of reforming the federal government, aiming to reduce what his supporters term the “deep state” that impeded his initial presidency. Administration officials assert that this strategy will generate savings for taxpayers by providing employees with “a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Read More: Should Federal Workers Accept Trump’s Buyout Offer?
Democratic and Union Concerns Over Employee Risks
On Wednesday, the administration ramped up its push for employees to accept the buyout, cautioning that layoffs or furloughs could be on the horizon.
“Most federal agencies are expected to undergo downsizing through restructuring and workforce reductions,” an announcement from the Office of Personnel Management indicated, a key player in Musk’s downsizing strategy.
The email further stated that employees who remain would need to exhibit “loyalty” and comply with stricter conduct standards moving forward. Additionally, some workers might face diminished civil service protections.
“Employees engaging in unlawful or inappropriate behavior will face prioritized investigations and disciplinary actions, including possible termination,” the email warned.
Democrats have raised alarms about the deferred resignation program, arguing that it lacks Congressional endorsement and could threaten employee pay.
“It’s a scam and not a true buyout,” declared Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees.
Kelley advised workers, “If I were them, I would think twice before proceeding.”
A Department of Education employee, who wished to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation, observed that the administration seems keen for employees to sign the agreement but has raised several red flags, including a clause that waives the right to sue if the government fails to meet its obligations.
Defense of the Initiative by Trump Officials
Musk, appointed to oversee the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, is leading the extensive initiative aimed at reducing the size of the federal workforce. The initial announcement regarding the deferred resignation program was titled “Fork in the Road,” a nod to a communication Musk had sent to Twitter employees two years prior after acquiring the platform.
Administration officials have also set up Q&A sessions for employees as the deadline approaches.
Rachel Oglesby, chief of staff at the Department of Education and a former employee at the America First Policy Institute, stated that Trump is determined to decrease the federal workforce.
“There have been numerous inquiries about whether this initiative is genuine or a ploy,” she said in a recording obtained by The Associated Press. “It’s precisely what it appears to be. It’s one of many tactics he’s employing to fulfill his campaign promise of reforming civil service and reshaping D.C.”
The issue was also discussed during a meeting with Department of Agriculture staff, where Marlon Taubenheim, a human resources official, acknowledged, “these are indeed challenging times” and conveyed that “there’s considerable stress.”
“Unfortunately, we don’t have all the answers,” he commented.
Jacqueline Ponti-Lazaruk, another agency leader, noted that employees “likely didn’t have the time they would have liked to make such a substantial decision.”
For those who remain, she said, “we’ll continue to move forward.”
Despite reassurances from officials, anxiety continues to linger among federal employees. Many workers express skepticism about the credibility of the offers and question Trump’s authority to distribute funds, recalling his history of financial defaults in real estate.
Protests Sparked by Musk’s Plans in D.C.
Protests have erupted outside federal buildings, including a demonstration at the Office of Personnel Management on Tuesday.
“I’m taking a risk and speaking out boldly to encourage more federal workers to join me,” said Dante O’Hara, a government employee. “If we stay silent, we risk losing our jobs to loyalists or those willing to enforce their agenda.”
While government roles have traditionally been viewed as stable, O’Hara expressed a growing sense of uncertainty. The prevailing mood among his colleagues is, “I’m not sure if I’ll still have a job tomorrow because the future feels unpredictable.”
Dan Smith, a Maryland resident whose father served as a research scientist at the Department of Agriculture, lamented that federal employees are “so undervalued and overlooked.”
“It’s one thing to downsize the government; it’s another to dismantle it,” Smith asserted. “That’s what’s happening, and it’s disturbing and unacceptable.”
Mary-Jean Burke, a physical therapist at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Indianapolis, voiced concerns that significant staff departures could jeopardize health care services.
Burke, who also serves as a union representative, noted that skepticism has grown regarding the buyout offer.
“Initially, many were eager to leave,” she stated. “But then they saw a social media post from DOGE, suggesting they could ‘take the vacation they’ve always dreamed of or simply relax while receiving full government pay and benefits.’”
This messaging backfired, as it seemed “too good to be true,” leading to hesitance among employees, Burke explained.
Regardless, she emphasized that Trump has effectively disrupted the federal workforce, fulfilling his apparent mission.
“Every day brings new developments,” Burke remarked. “If his goal was to be a disruptor, he’s certainly achieving that.”
—This article includes contributions from Associated Press writers Nancy Benac, Nathan Ellgren, Gary Fields, Joshua Goodman, Will Weissert, and Brian Witte.
