Trump's plan: Incentives for federal workers' early exit
According to a report by Reuters, the Donald Trump administration has announced plans to propose financial benefits for 2 million full-time federal employees, aiming to reduce employment in the administration.
Reuters obtained details regarding the benefits planned for federal employees, reporting that the deferred resignation program would permit them to stay on the payroll until September 30 without the obligation to be physically present at work.
Reuters reported that federal employees had until February 6 to decide. The offer is extended to civilian employees only, excluding those in positions related to immigration and national security and those employed by the US Postal Service.
NBC News quoted a senior administration official estimating that 5-10% of federal employees might leave, potentially saving $100 billion. However, Reuters has not verified this information.
Office workers sent on paid leave
On platform X, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced that U.S. President Donald Trump had suspended federal employees working in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and placed them on paid leave.
This information is consistent with a directive from the Office of Personnel Management, which instructed that all employees in DEI offices be placed on paid administrative leave without delay.
After taking office, Trump issued an executive order prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. According to AFP, a statement posted on X indicated that the administration was moving forward with shutting down all DEI initiatives, offices, and programs.
According to Reuters, civil rights advocates argue that such programs are essential to addressing long-standing inequalities and structural racism. Meanwhile, Trump and his supporters contend that DEI programs result in unjust discrimination against other Americans and undermine the importance of merit in hiring or promotion.
