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Trump Administration Proposes Buyouts for Federal Employees, Including Remote Workers, Under New ‘Deferred Resignation’ Plan

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Trump Administration Proposes Buyouts for Federal Employees, Including Remote Workers, Under New 'Deferred Resignation' Plan

The Trump administration is rolling out a bold initiative, offering buyouts to nearly all federal employees, including remote workers, as part of a sweeping move to bring them back into office environments. With a February 6 deadline to opt-in, this marks a significant push under President Donald Trump’s plan to boost government efficiency.

In his first week as president, Trump introduced several mandates targeting the federal workforce, notably a directive mandating the return of remote employees to on-site work.

“President Trump is dedicated to restoring efficiency and productivity in the government after four years marked by inefficiencies,” stated White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She emphasized that taxpayers, who fund both the salaries of government employees and the upkeep of federal facilities, deserve a workforce that is physically present and accountable.

Leavitt further remarked, “Those unwilling to adapt to office work are welcome to pursue other career opportunities, with the administration offering a generous eight-month payout.”

This initiative comes in the wake of a House Oversight report accusing remote work of squandering billions in taxpayer dollars, setting the stage for the first congressional hearing on the matter.

A government-wide memo reiterates Trump’s commitment to four key reforms aimed at reinstating accountability within the federal sector. These include the full return to office work, holding policy-making employees accountable, enhancing oversight over senior executives, and overhauling the federal hiring system to prioritize merit.

“We are five years post-COVID, and with only 6% of federal employees working full-time from the office, change is overdue,” explained a senior administration official. The same memo outlines upcoming efforts to consolidate physical offices and, potentially, relocate certain federal employees.

For those who have already returned to their offices, the administration has expressed gratitude for their renewed dedication to serving the public. However, the continuity of their roles remains uncertain as per the latest communications.

Moreover, the administration has devised a ‘deferred resignation program’ starting January 28 through February 6, allowing employees who opt for resignation under this scheme to maintain their salary and benefits until September 30, 2025, without meeting in-person work mandates.

The buyout offer, however, excludes military personnel, the U.S. Postal Service workers, roles critical to immigration enforcement and national security, and other positions specifically exempted by agencies.

“To be clear, as with the executive order issued on the president’s first day, each agency will implement these return-to-work policies in line with the applicable laws,” the official added, anticipating that 5 to 10 percent of the workforce may resign, potentially saving taxpayers up to $100 billion annually.

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