The Trump administration has offered federal civilian employees a buyout option to resign with pay through September, creating confusion over its legality and congressional authority. Over 40,000 employees, about 2% of those eligible, have accepted the offer, but Trump reportedly plans mass layoffs for those who decline. The buyout applies to most civilian staff but excludes military personnel, postal workers, and national security employees, with agency heads allowed to grant exemptions. While guidance states employees do not need to work after accepting the buyout, some contracts require work through February 28, with pay contingent on congressional appropriations. Elon Musk, appointed by Trump to lead government efficiency efforts, is overseeing drastic agency cuts, including shutting down USAID and halting work at the CFPB. Continue here.
