The Trump administration has stirred significant unrest among federal employees by offering a controversial buyout program. An email dispatched by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reached nearly all 3 million federal government workers, presenting them with deferred resignations. The communication contained a stark warning: those who opt to remain could face layoffs or reassignment. This move, aimed at considerably reducing the number of left-leaning federal employees, has prompted many federal workers to evaluate their options seriously.
In the face of this sweeping offer, numerous federal employees are grappling with the decision to either accept the buyout or retain their positions. Concerns abound regarding the potential ramifications for the government's operational efficiency. Some workers worry that such a reduction in workforce could impair the government's ability to deliver essential services.
“The American public is not benefiting from this in any way,” said Elizabeth, a long-term government employee.
The buyout initiative is not an entirely novel concept within the federal landscape. For decades, administrations have employed buyouts as a standard practice, regardless of political affiliation. However, the current climate of uncertainty and perceived hostility has exacerbated concerns among the workforce.
Elizabeth, like many others, expressed her apprehension about the intent behind the administration's actions.
“I’m not taking a loyalty test for any president. We all take an oath, our job is to uphold the laws of the United States. It is not to pledge loyalty to anyone. I can have my views about any politician but still be able to do my job.”
She further elaborated on her decision-making process regarding the buyout:
“For a second, the [buyout offer] sounded kind of appealing, but I quickly heard voices I trust – employee unions, lawyers, Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia – who raised questions and told people to be very cautious. There’s no funding for this [buyout programme], there’s no guarantee, so I’m not going to take it. This is unprecedented.”
The sentiment of distrust and hostility seems widespread. Elizabeth described the communication from her agency as intimidating and lacking empathy:
“Every message to my agency’s workforce has been hostile and intimidating with threats of disciplinary action and no space for disagreement with orders from the White House. All of the communication we have received expresses lack of trust in us and our judgment.”
Amy, another federal worker, echoed similar sentiments regarding the atmosphere created by recent executive orders:
“It’s just been crazy. A billionaire is taking over a government,” she said.
She continued to criticize the administration's approach:
“The executive orders against the federal workforce feel designed to create chaos and fear. Musk calls us lazy and described workers at the US Agency for International Development (USAid) as a ‘ball of worms’. They’re trying to dehumanise us to make these changes more palatable, and are trying to rattle enough of us so that a majority of federal employees leave.”
Despite these pressures, Amy noted that few are accepting the buyout offer readily:
“While many may think federal employees should take the offer and run, I haven’t spoken to a single person jumping at it.”
“Everyone is still digging their heels in and is intent on not taking it. We’re also feeling petty as hell.”
Amy's personal decision reflects her apprehensions:
“I do believe [this offer] is likely illegal and the administration will stiff me, but it doesn’t really matter in my case.”
“I only signed on to the federal government for the remote and telework benefits, and now that’s gone, I can cut ties and return to my old job, where I made more money, worked fewer days and hours, and had a shorter commute.”
Further compounding the uncertainty, some federal workers fear for their career prospects and retirement plans. A probationary Department of Homeland Security employee from the Midwest has opted for deferred resignation, while others like a trans, autistic, disabled veteran feel overwhelmed by the situation.
The implications for global security also loom large. A USAid employee expressed concern about the dismantling of her agency's operations:
“After going dark for several days, the USAid website was relaunched to tell the world that the entire workforce is being put on administrative leave,” Elizabeth reported.
“As a result of the stop-work order that has affected most of the work USAid funds, our workforce is glued to our computers with nothing to do.”
The buyout program's impact isn't restricted to those eligible for it. A federal immigration enforcement attorney on the West Coast is exempt from the buyout but must return to office work despite having a flexible hybrid union contract.