Federal employees have expressed confusion and frustration following President Donald Trump’s offer to allow them to resign and receive pay through September. The proposal, which was sent to many federal workers, was met with mixed reactions, with some workers rejecting the offer outright and others questioning its legality and the authenticity of the communication.
An employee from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Mississippi laughed off the email, describing it as “nonsensical” and deciding to delete it. Many workers cited concerns about sacrificing critical benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and student loan forgiveness. Others feared the offer was a scam and sought clarification from their managers.
Unions representing federal workers, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), strongly advised against accepting the offer. They raised doubts about the legal authority behind the program, the vagueness of its eligibility criteria, and its overall validity. They also warned that the Trump administration might not be able to uphold the payment promises beyond March, when the government’s funding is set to expire.
In response to the backlash, the administration reiterated that the offer was legitimate and would be honored. It assured workers that those accepting the offer would not be subject to a reduction-in-force and could take non-governmental jobs during the eight-month period. However, skepticism remained widespread among employees, particularly those who had dedicated years to federal service and had long-term career goals.
Trump’s offer is part of a broader effort to reshape the federal workforce, which includes reducing its size, replacing career civil servants with political appointees, and curtailing certain protections. The initiative has been met with resistance, particularly from employees who work outside of Washington, D.C., where the offer seemed both unclear and unfeasible.
Several employees, including a USDA worker nearing retirement, expressed that they would not consider leaving their positions. A Department of Veterans Affairs worker noted that before the offer, many workers were contemplating leaving, but afterward, there was a firm resolve to stay.
While the Trump administration claims that a significant number of workers have accepted the offer, many employees remain wary of the terms, and some federal employee unions continue to denounce the program as a tactic to force workers out.
The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) labeled the offer as coercive and threatening, with no clear explanation of the benefits or terms. Other unions echoed this sentiment, warning that a mass resignation of federal employees could be disastrous for essential public services.
