A federal judge halted Trump’s federal worker buyout plan just before the Thursday midnight deadline, delaying resignations for thousands of employees. Judge George O’Toole Jr issued the ruling pausing the program until a Monday hearing to address a lawsuit filed by federal worker unions.
The lawsuit claims the Trump administration’s proposal violates federal law and lacks proper funding. The White House introduced the plan to shrink the federal workforce, offering financial incentives to employees who voluntarily resign.
According to officials, 40,000 employees had already accepted the offer, though many raised concerns about the deal’s unclear terms. The administration initially hoped for 200,000 participants, anticipating significant cost savings for taxpayers.
The last-minute ruling forced the Office of Personnel Management to extend the resignation deadline to Monday night. A Justice Department attorney confirmed that federal employees would receive notifications about the deadline change.
The OPM assured workers that the program remained active and that all accepted resignations would be honored. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt welcomed the temporary extension, allowing more employees to take advantage of the offer.
She argued that the administration’s plan targeted employees unwilling to return to the office. Critics, including the American Federation of Government Employees, described the move as an attack on civil service, warning that it could undermine government efficiency.
Lawmakers and union officials expressed concerns about the plan’s impact on national security and essential government services. The resignation incentives reached agencies such as the CIA, raising fears about potential brain drain in intelligence operations.
Reports also indicated that the Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, was planning cuts at NOAA, which oversees weather forecasting and marine protections. Democrats in Congress warned that Trump’s federal worker buyout plan could weaken government operations, particularly during national emergencies.
The Union vowed to continue its legal fight, arguing that the administration’s actions jeopardize workers’ rights and the stability of federal agencies. The Monday hearing will determine the program’s fate.
