The Trump administration has announced a ‘deferred resignation’ offer for federal employees, allowing them to resign with pay through September 30. This move affects the majority of the 2.3 million workers employed by the government and is part of the administration’s efforts to reshape the federal workforce.
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Federal agencies are government organizations responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, regulations, and policies within a country.
They are established by Congress to oversee various sectors such as defense, healthcare, education, and environmental protection.
There are over 150 federal agencies in the United States alone, each with its own mandate and budget.
Examples of prominent federal agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
These agencies employ millions of people worldwide and play a crucial role in shaping national policies and programs.
The White House recently announced a ‘deferred resignation‘ offer that allows federal employees to resign with pay through September 30.
This move affects the majority of the 2.3 million workers employed by the government and is part of the Trump administration‘s efforts to reshape the federal workforce.
What You Need to Know About the Offer
Federal workers who accept the deferred resignation offer will remain employed, retain all pay and benefits, and be exempt from in-person work requirements until their final resignation date of September 30.
However, those who take the deal are not expected to work, according to an FAQ published by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
The OPM letter suggests that employees may see their duties changed or be reassigned or placed on leave before their resignation.
Agencies may make ‘adjustments‘ in response to resignations, including moving, eliminating, consolidating, reassigning positions and tasks, reducing official duties, and/or placing employees on paid administrative leave until their resignation date.
Under the offer, employees can accelerate their resignation date but not extend it.
If a federal worker becomes eligible for early or normal retirement at any point before their resignation date, they may also elect to retire.
Consequences of Not Accepting the Offer
The offer expires on February 6, and there is no penalty for civil servants who do not respond to the email announcing the offer.
However, those who do not take the offer are likely to face downsizing through furloughs and reclassification to at-will status, making them easier to fire.
For those who do not accept the offer, ‘we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency‘ but will be treated with dignity and afforded protections in place for such positions, according to the announcement.
Federal employees are public servants who work for the federal government of a country.
They serve in various roles, including administrative, technical, and professional positions.
Federal employees are responsible for implementing policies, programs, and services that benefit citizens.
According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), there are over 2 million federal employees worldwide.
Benefits for federal employees include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and education assistance.
Who is Eligible and Who Isn’t
Not all federal employees are eligible for the deferred resignation offer.
Agency heads may determine carve-outs within their agencies.
Military personnel, employees of the U.S. Postal Service, and those in positions related to immigration enforcement and national security are also exempt from the offer.
Why the Trump Administration is Doing This
The Trump administration has pledged to shrink the civil service, which they cast as a liberal ‘deep state‘ that disrupted their plans during their first term.
The deferred resignation offer is part of this effort to reshape the federal workforce.
Is This Unprecedented?
The Trump administration has made several attempts to weaken protections for federal employees in the past.
In 2020, Trump issued an executive order to strip tens of thousands of civil servants of employment protections and allow his administration to fire them at will.
President Joe Biden rescinded the order, but Trump reinstated it after assuming office this month.
The Trump administration, led by President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021, implemented various policies affecting domestic and foreign affairs.
Notable policies include tax cuts, deregulation, and a travel ban targeting predominantly 'Muslim' countries.
The administration also withdrew from several international agreements, such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal.
Additionally, Trump's presidency was marked by controversy over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election.
The Response So Far
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) argued that Trump’s offer to federal employees overstepped their authority.
The National Treasury Employees Union and the American Federation of Government Employees have also condemned the announcement, warning that purging dedicated career civil servants will have vast, unintended consequences for Americans who depend on a functioning federal government.
