Trump Administration to Implement Extensive Layoffs for Non-Voluntary Resignation Employees

The Trump administration is gearing up for significant layoffs within the federal workforce, targeting employees who do not accept a newly offered voluntary resignation package, according to two officials from the administration speaking to CNN.

These layoffs, planned under the term “Reductions in Force,” are anticipated to commence soon after the deadline set by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for employees to accept the resignation offer, which is scheduled for this Thursday.

The offer enables federal workers to resign voluntarily, allowing them to receive pay until September 30 without requiring them to continue performing their duties. Widespread confusion and frustration among federal employees have arisen following the administration’s mass email announcement on January 28 detailing the resignation offer.

In response, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and other unions have filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, seeking a temporary restraining order to postpone the February 6 deadline.

The unions aim to compel the government to outline a lawful policy rather than foisting what they describe as an arbitrary and hastily contrived ultimatum. As of now, over 20,000 employees have opted into the deferred resignation program, a number that insiders believe will surge significantly within the 24 to 48 hours before the impending deadline.

This figure constitutes roughly 1% of the total of around 2 million federal employees who were extended this offer, with the administration aiming for 5% to 10% participation.

OPM has reiterated to employees that those who choose not to participate in the program might face termination and will at the very least be required to return to in-person work.

One administration insider characterized the resignation proposal as a “generous, voluntary option” for employees who could find themselves laid off in the near future as part of President Trump and Elon Musk’s ambitious strategy to downsize the federal government.

In an effort to entice older federal workers, OPM is now offering an early retirement incentive called Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) for eligible individuals who choose to enroll in the resignation program.

Employees must be at least 50 years old with two decades of service or any age with at least 25 years of service to qualify. The overall federal workforce numbers approximately 2.4 million people, excluding postal workers, military personnel, and certain roles associated with immigration enforcement and national security.

Following a recent tragic incident involving a regional passenger jet and a military helicopter, the National Transportation Safety Board clarified that its employees are not eligible for the program as the agency seeks to retain investigators during this tumultuous time.

The unions have voiced vehement opposition to the resignation offer, questioning its legality and the likelihood that the administration will successfully implement the plan.