More than 20,000 U.S. federal employees have accepted President Donald Trump’s buyout offer, with the White House expecting a last-minute surge ahead of the Thursday deadline, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The voluntary program, announced last week, offers eight months of full pay and benefits through September 30 to workers who resign by February 6.
Trump aims to shrink the U.S. federal workforce by 5% to 10%, which could save taxpayers nearly $100 billion annually.
With over two million civilian U.S. federal employees eligible, the target range translates to 100,000–200,000 resignations.
A White House official told the media that the current 20,000 figure is outdated, with resignations “rapidly growing” and a “largest spike” expected in the final 48 hours.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which manages U.S. federal human resources, has not provided updated numbers but urged employees to “travel to your dream destination” or seek private sector jobs.
“Yes, 20,000 federal workers have taken the buyout offer, but that represents just 1% of the overall workforce. More are expected to take the deal, but every year the attrition rate of the federal workforce is 6%. The hiring freeze will arguably be more effective than a buyout,” said Charlie Kirk, Founder and President of Turning Point USA.
Democrats and unions have criticized the offer as legally questionable and politically motivated.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine (Virginia) warned workers, “If you accept that offer and resign, he’ll stiff you,” accusing Trump of not honouring the buyout.
The American Federation of Government Employees called it a tactic to purge civil servants and create “a toxic environment.”
Elon Musk, Head of the Department of Government Efficiency, has promoted the buyout on social media, which aligns with Trump’s push to reduce bureaucracy.
The offer excludes military personnel, postal workers, and national security roles.
The administration’s move follows an order ending pandemic-era remote work, requiring in-office attendance five days a week.
Critics argue the plan risks destabilizing agencies responsible for critical services, from disaster response to public health.
As Thursday’s deadline nears, uncertainty persists among U.S. federal workers on whether to take the buyout or risk getting laid off with no buyout.