Summary
Trump’s administration is offering federal employees a “deferred resignation” option, allowing them to resign by Feb. 6 while retaining pay and benefits until Sept. 30.
The move is part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape the federal workforce, alongside a return-to-office mandate, hiring freeze, and diversity office closures.
Employees who stay are not guaranteed job security.
Critics, including Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), argue the program is legally dubious and could leave workers unpaid, calling it a deceptive tactic to shrink government staff.
This whole week has been fucking bonkers, I’ll tell you what. It’s Project 2025 in full fucking swing; the entire country is off Medicaid (or maybe not); all grant money is frozen (or maybe not); half the populace is to be deported (or maybe not)c and now this. Or maybe not. It’ll obviously be challenged in the courts.
—Christopher Hitchens