75,000 U.S. Federal Workers Accept Trump’s Deferred Buyout Program
Approximately 75,000 federal employees have opted into the deferred buyout program introduced under former President Donald Trump’s administration, a spokesperson for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management confirmed on Wednesday.
Trump’s Plan to Cut Federal Workforce
The buyout initiative is part of Trump’s broader effort to reduce the U.S. civilian workforce, which consists of 2.3 million employees. Trump has frequently criticized federal agencies, calling them inefficient and biased against him.
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In addition to the buyout, the administration has directed government agencies to prepare for large-scale job cuts, with some departments already laying off recent hires who lack full job security. Sources indicate that agencies have been instructed to cut up to 70% of their staff.
Union Concerns and Funding Uncertainty
Federal worker unions have strongly opposed the buyout, warning employees that the Trump administration may not honor its terms. The buyout plan offers employees regular salaries and benefits until October without requiring them to work. However, with current spending laws set to expire on March 14, there is no guarantee that salaries will be funded beyond that date.
Elon Musk’s Role in Government Efficiency
Trump has also appointed billionaire Elon Musk to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with cutting $1 trillion from the federal budget. Last year, the U.S. budget totaled $6.75 trillion, with civilian worker salaries accounting for less than 5% of that total. Musk’s team is currently reviewing government payment and personnel records to identify further spending reductions.
Conclusion
The federal workforce downsizing under Trump remains a contentious issue, with uncertainty surrounding job security and funding. As agencies brace for potential mass layoffs, the role of Elon Musk’s cost-cutting initiatives will be closely watched.
