In a bold move to reduce the size of the U.S. government, President Donald Trump has offered buyout packages to nearly all federal workers who choose not to return to the office. An email sent to millions of employees on Tuesday outlined a “deferred resignation program,” where workers must decide by February 6 whether to accept the offer. Those who opt to leave by the deadline will receive severance packages amounting to approximately eight months of salary.
The administration anticipates up to 200,000 employees, or 10% of the federal workforce, will accept the buyout. This could save the government up to $100 billion. However, the offer excludes certain employees, such as postal workers and national security staff.
The move follows Trump’s pledge to cut government size and spending, with some employees expressing concern over potential future downsizing. The government has also faced confusion regarding the suspension of federal grants and loans.
