White House Official Reports Large Number of Federal Employees Taking Buyout Offer

White House deputy chief of staff for policy and US homeland security advisor Stephen Miller (C) speaks to members of the press outside the West Wing entrance of the White House in Washington, DC on January 28, 2025. Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP

Federal government employees are embracing resignation offers made by the Trump administration, a senior White House official said on Jan. 31.

“A large number of federal workers have accepted the buyout offer,” Stephen Miller told reporters. “And I think the point here to really underscore is that federal workers who are not happy in their jobs, who don’t want to show up at work, who do not want to be in the office, who are not passionate about what they’re doing, are obviously not the kind of federal worker you want responsible for having enormous authority over the lives of the American people.”

The new administration has prioritized cutting costs at the federal level—with the new Department of Government Efficiency to oversee such actions—and finding the most suitable candidates for jobs throughout the bureaucracy.

“And so, this is happening in conjunction with a wholesale reform of the hiring process in the federal government to find people who are really dedicated to service at the absolute highest level,” Miller said.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) officials distributed a memorandum on Jan. 28 offering deferred resignation to millions of full-time employees across the government, except for, among others, postal service employees, immigration and national security workers, and those serving in the armed forces.

In an email announcing the offer, employees were advised that comprehensive reform is on the horizon.

“The federal workforce is expected to undergo significant near-term changes,” the message reads. “As a result of these changes, or for other reasons, you may wish to depart the federal government on terms that provide you with sufficient time and economic security to plan for your future—and have a nice vacation.”

Benefits offered to those resigning by Feb. 6 include full pay and benefits even if workload is greatly diminished. Individuals can pursue second jobs immediately, and vacation and personal leave days will continue to accrue and be paid out on the last paycheck, according to a statement from the OPM.

Employees who accept the offer sign resignation letters effective Sept. 30, 2025. Agency heads are directed to reassign or eliminate the duties of those who choose to resign.

Many who opt to stay in their position are ordered to return to in-office work environments for five days a week. No guarantees are made for future job stability.

“At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency, but should your position be eliminated, you will be treated with dignity and will be afforded the protections in place for such positions,” the email said.