Judge Clears Path for Trump’s Federal Workforce Buyout Plan

Washington, D.C. (February 13, 2025) – A U.S. judge has ruled in favor of Donald Trump’s administration, allowing it to move ahead with a controversial buyout program for federal workers, potentially removing tens of thousands of employees from government payrolls.

The decision by U.S. District Judge George O’Toole in Boston dismissed a legal challenge from labor unions, clearing the way for the program’s swift conclusion. The administration has since announced that the program is now closed to new applicants.

“There is no longer any doubt: the Deferred Resignation Program was both legal and a valuable option for federal employees,” the Office of Personnel Management stated.

Unions opposing the buyout criticized the ruling, with Everett Kelly, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, calling it a setback but vowing to continue fighting for public servants. The unions had argued that the program was arbitrary and potentially illegal, but O’Toole ruled they lacked the legal standing to challenge it.

The buyout initiative is part of Trump’s broader push to reduce the size of the federal workforce, which he has often criticized as inefficient. Government agencies have been instructed to prepare for mass layoffs, with reports indicating that some departments may see staff reductions of up to 70%.

As of last Friday, approximately 65,000 federal employees had signed up for the buyout, representing around 3% of the civilian workforce. The program offers employees full salary and benefits until October without requiring them to work, but uncertainties remain as current spending laws expire on March 14.

In a separate effort, Trump has tasked billionaire Elon Musk with leading the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, aimed at slashing $1 trillion from the federal budget. Musk’s team is targeting 15 agencies and has already dismantled two, focusing on eliminating programs deemed unnecessary.

While Trump has ruled out cuts to popular retirement and healthcare benefits, his Republican allies in Congress are preparing a budget plan that includes tax cuts and increased security spending—measures that independent analysts warn could significantly increase the national debt.

Source: Reuters