Offer ends with 75,000 federal workers accepting President Trump’s buyouts

President Donald Trump offered federal employees a buyout, with 75,000 employees accepting the offer before the program closed to new applicants. This represents 3.3% of the federal government’s workforce, below projections of 5% to 10%. A federal judge in Massachusetts lifted a pause on the program, allowing it to proceed despite unions’ challenges. Trump’s offer promised 8 months of pay and benefits in exchange for immediate resignation, but Democrats warned federal workers not to trust the deal as government funding is uncertain. Those who continue working are subject to new performance standards and reforms. The buyouts are part of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, with possible furloughs and layoffs if not enough workers agree to buyouts. Trump signed an executive order instructing plans for large-scale reductions in force, with layoffs beginning at the General Services Administration.