So far, over 40,000 federal workers, less than 1% of the federal workforce, have accepted the buyout offer
Around 2.3 million federal employees have until midnight today to accept the Trump administration’s buyout offer or risk layoffs.
But so far, just over 40,000 workers have taken the deal that offered them paid leaves and benefits through September 30 if they resigned from their jobs by February 6.
While the number may rise as the deadline nears, it is far below the White House’s goal of trimming 5% to 10% of the federal workforce.
The plan could result in over 100,000 job losses, the largest layoff in US history, surpassing IBM’s 60,000 job cuts in 1993.
As part of Trump’s push to downsize the federal government, the CIA, NSA, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence also received the same buyout offer this week.
Moreover, starting Saturday, the US Agency for International Development staff will be on paid administrative leave. Several dozen Education Department employees have been on such leave since last week.
The remaining employees must commit to in-office work five days a week.
But legal troubles brew
Unions representing 800,000+ workers filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, seeking a 60-day extension of the buyout deadline and arguing the plan is illegal without congressional approval.
Adding to the controversy, billionaire Elon Musk’s DOGE is leading federal downsizing efforts, mirroring tactics he used at Twitter.
The federal government could see an unprecedented shake-up if the administration hits its target.