- Federal employees offered “deferred resignation” with eight months’ pay.
- The move aims to downsize the federal workforce and end remote work.
- RFK Jr.’s confirmation hearing for HHS faces bipartisan criticism.
The Trump administration is taking an aggressive step to reshape the federal workforce by offering employees a chance to resign with full pay and benefits until September.
At the same time, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing Senate scrutiny over his nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Trump’s Federal Workforce Shakeup and RFK Jr.’s Controversial Confirmation
The Trump administration’s new buyout program is expected to lead to the departure of up to 200,000 federal employees. Those who accept the offer will continue working remotely with pay and benefits until September, after which their resignations take effect. This move is part of a broader restructuring plan that could result in agency downsizing, relocations, and reclassification of positions.
The initiative has drawn criticism from the American Federation of Government Employees, which warns of the unintended consequences of losing experienced civil servants. Opponents argue that this strategy is not just about cost-cutting but also about consolidating political influence within government agencies.
Meanwhile, RFK Jr.’s Senate hearings are proving contentious, with lawmakers from both parties questioning his suitability to lead HHS. His past advocacy against vaccines and shifting stances on key health policies have raised doubts about his ability to manage public health initiatives effectively.
Trump’s decision to nominate Kennedy has added to the growing list of controversial appointments in his administration. As the hearings unfold, they will serve as a test of whether Kennedy can gain enough bipartisan support to be confirmed—or if opposition will derail his nomination.
Trump’s efforts to reshape the federal government and RFK Jr.’s contentious confirmation are shaping up to be defining moments of his administration. The long-term impact of these moves will depend on how agencies adapt to workforce reductions and whether Kennedy secures his place in the health sector.
“Purging the federal government of dedicated career civil servants will have vast, unintended consequences that will cause chaos for the Americans who depend on a functioning federal government.” – AFGE President Everett Kelley
