Federal employees, Democrats, and experts issue cautions against the federal government accepting a proposal for 'deferring resignations'
In a move that has raised eyebrows on Capitol Hill, the Trump administration has announced a "deferred resignation" program for federal employees. This program, however, has been met with caution and concern from several Democrats and federal employee groups.
The program, which allows federal employees to resign and remain on paid administrative leave until the end of the fiscal year, has been described as "another rushed Trump scam" by Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. Van Hollen and other Democrats have noted Trump's past allegations of bilking vendors and employees, and have cautioned that if the offers are rescinded or deemed unlawful, those who signed up for the severance may face consequences, potentially being labeled as disloyal workers.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., has expressed concern that federal workers may be "set up to face the same treatment" as those who have worked for Trump in the past and been "stiffed". Kaine believes that Trump does not have the legal authority to carry out the quasi-severance offers.
The American Federation of Government Employees has warned of potential loopholes that the administration could exploit to avoid paying employees who accept the resignation offer. Unions and federal employee groups are advising not to take the deferred resignation deal due to questionable legal authority, lack of guarantee of acceptance, and potential loopholes.
The Departments of Justice and Homeland Security have announced their support for the Trump administration in implementing the deferred resignation program for federal employees. However, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, has stated that there is no authority for the offers and there are no appropriations to carry out the program, potentially leaving employees in a difficult position.
Elon Musk, who has a history of sending mass resignation solicitation emails, has not been directly involved in this program. However, his past actions have raised questions about the intentions behind such offers.
Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., have embraced Trump's push and are in favor of "weaning people off the federal government". Johnson has not thoroughly reviewed federal statutes to determine the offers' legality, but he assumes they are likely legal.
The White House has not commented further on the program, but the offer is open for federal employees who resign by Feb. 6, allowing them to retain their current pay and benefits until Sept. 30. It appears more like extended paid leave prior to leaving government, rather than a traditional buyout.
As the deadline approaches, federal employees are left to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and uncertainties surrounding the deferred resignation program. The program's legality, potential loopholes, and the lack of a clear policy or underlying authority continue to be a source of concern for many.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
