Top officials at the Education Department informed staff that the Trump administration was offering a deferred resignation package as part of a plan to reduce the federal workforce. However, employees were cautioned that if they accepted the package, the education secretary could later cancel it, potentially leaving them without promised pay. The offer included the assurance of continued pay and benefits until the end of September if employees resigned by a specific date. Some employees expressed concerns that the terms of the agreement were unclear, as they would need to resign before seeing the actual terms of their separation.
The deferred resignation program has caused anxiety among federal workers who fear the Trump administration may not uphold its end of the bargain. The Education Department is also preparing for layoffs, known as Reductions in Force, although details on timing and impact are yet to be disclosed. Additionally, employees have been informed they will need to return to the office daily by a specific date, with efforts being made to find an alternative federal building for remote work.
The Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the federal government have raised legal and ethical concerns, with some labor unions and state attorneys general challenging the deferred resignation program. The White House is reportedly considering executive action to dismantle the Education Department, a move that has sparked debate among lawmakers and experts. Despite these uncertainties, the administration continues to push for significant changes within the federal workforce, causing apprehension among employees.
