Judge halts Trump’s initiative providing incentives for federal employees to leave their positions.

WASHINGTON — A federal judge has issued a temporary halt to President Donald Trump’s initiative aimed at reducing the number of federal employees through financial incentives, a development that has added to the already challenging environment faced by government workers under the current administration.

The ruling came just hours before the deadline for federal workers to apply for the deferred resignation program, a plan crafted with the assistance of Trump adviser Elon Musk. Labor unions have raised legal concerns regarding this initiative, prompting U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. of Boston to pause the program’s implementation until a court hearing can be conducted on the matter, with proceedings set for Monday afternoon. The judge has also instructed the administration to extend the application deadline until after the hearing.

A White House representative revealed that roughly 65,000 employees have opted to leave their positions while being compensated until September 30. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt has characterized remote federal workers as unmotivated, suggesting that those wishing to exploit the system are free to accept the buyout offer. According to a federal employee in Colorado, who opted to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, the derogatory comments about government staff from the Trump administration have contributed to a sense of demoralization among those dedicated to public service.

This employee also indicated that the judge’s ruling confirmed lingering concerns among federal workers that the deferred resignation program may not have a solid legal foundation. In the Pacific Northwest, another worker decided to accept the buyout despite the court’s decision, aiming to relocate internationally. This individual expressed reluctance to adhere to administration policies that dismantle diversity programs and fears that conditions will deteriorate for remaining employees.

Democrats and union representatives have cautioned that workers might not be compensated if they accept the deferred resignation offer, pointing to its lack of congressional approval as a significant risk. “It’s a scam, not a buyout,” stated Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees. An employee from the Department of Education echoed these thoughts, describing an air of desperation from the administration encouraging employees to sign the agreement. Concerns have also arisen regarding clauses within the offer that could waive the right to legal recourse.

Musk has been tasked by Trump to lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a broad initiative with the goal of streamlining federal operations. The initial email detailing the deferred resignation program was titled “Fork in the road,” reminiscent of a message Musk previously sent to Twitter employees following his acquisition of the social media platform. As the Thursday deadline drew near, officials from the Trump administration conducted sessions to answer employees’ questions and clarify the offer’s legitimacy.

Rachel Oglesby, the chief of staff at the Department of Education, addressed employee skepticism, stating, “It’s exactly what it looks like.” She emphasized that the program is part of ongoing reforms aimed at transforming civil service in Washington. Meanwhile, Marlon Taubenheim, a human resources official from the Agriculture Department, acknowledged the prevalent stress among employees, admitting that answers to many questions remain elusive.

Despite reassurances from administration officials, distrust persists among federal workers regarding the promises made in the buyout offers. Concerns about Trump’s authority to disburse funds have been amplified by his history of withholding payments from contractors during his time in real estate. In light of these developments, several small protests have emerged outside federal buildings, including at the Office of Personnel Management.

Dante O’Hara, a government worker, voiced that without collective action, employees risk losing their jobs to appointed loyalists. Job security, once a hallmark of federal employment, now feels uncertain, with colleagues expressing anxiety about their future job status. Dan Smith, a Maryland local and the son of a former Department of Agriculture researcher, described federal workers as undervalued and taken for granted.

Mary-Jean Burke, a physical therapist for the Department of Veterans Affairs, shared her concerns about the potential depletion of healthcare services due to significant employee departures. Burke, also a union representative, stated that interest in the buyout proposal had initially been strong, but skepticism emerged after DOGE promoted an enticing offer suggesting employees enjoy leisure while receiving full pay and benefits.

As the current administration continues to shake up the federal workforce, Burke noted, “Every day, it’s something.” She articulated that Trump’s actions align with his disruptive agenda, significantly affecting the morale and stability of government employees.