A federal judge in the United States has temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump’s plan to buy out thousands of federal workers at their severance pay by offering them financial incentives.
The decision, made by Judge George O’Toole Jr, follows a lawsuit filed by federal employee unions arguing that the plan violates labor laws and lacks proper funding. The hearing to determine the plan’s legality is set for Monday.
Buyout Plan Sparks Controversy
The Trump administration launched the buyout program as part of its broader effort to reduce the size of the federal workforce. The White House claims the initiative has already led to over 40,000 resignations, with officials estimating a significant increase in participation before the deadline.
The deadline to accept the resignation package was Thursday at 11:59 PM EST, but the ruling by the judge has temporarily put the program on hold until the final verdict.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt framed the ruling as a positive development. “We are grateful to the Judge for extending the deadline so more federal workers who refuse to show up to the office can take the Administration up on this very generous, once-in-a-lifetime offer,” Leavitt stated.
Despite the court ruling, the Office of Personnel Management assured federal employees that resignation processing would continue until at least Monday at 11:59 PM local time. The agency clarified that the program is not being blocked or canceled, but rather postponed.
Unions and Lawmakers Raise Red Flags
The American Federation of Government Employees, one of the country’s largest unions, brought the case against the buyout plan. It argued that the plan would break the federal workforce by replacing competent civil servants with political appointees and private contractors.
Another argument drawn from union leaders is that Congress had not approved any additional funding, thus raising concern about whether federal agencies will be able to pay those who take up the offer until September 30 as promised.
Democratic lawmakers have also criticized the plan, warning that a mass exodus of experienced federal employees could cripple government operations. House Oversight Committee Democrats wrote to Trump in a letter that the buyouts could result in a “brain drain” affecting public services, emergency response, and national security.
Security Concerns and Agency Impact
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is the first national security agency to offer a resignation package to its staff. The move has caused concern among lawmakers and former intelligence officials, who argue that such buyouts could compromise national security by driving out experienced personnel.
Other agencies said to be at risk of losing staff include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees weather forecasting, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Federal Employees in Confusion
Many federal employees were adversely caught off guard by the buyout offer reportedly set in the subject line of an email entitled, “Fork in the Road,” but delivered late at night. Some workers labeled this email spam. Others felt aggrieved over unclear terms and conditions.
Medical support specialist Monet Hepp, a Department of Veterans Affairs employee, described the shock and confusion surrounding the sudden offer. “The tone of the initial email was like ‘you may be cut anyway,'” Hepp told reporters.
As the legal battle continues, thousands of federal employees remain uncertain about the future of the buyout program. They are waiting for the court’s final decision on Monday.
