Federal agencies have been directed to hire just a single employee to replace four terminated employees. This is the most recent order from US President Donald Trump who, in consultation with Elon Musk—who is heading the Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE—is attempting to trim the US government workforce.
Last month, the administration under Trump had offered full-time federal employees salary till September if they opted to resign immediately. This ‘deferred resignation programme’ allowed employees to earn a salary and remain ‘employed’ even while their work was reduced and their role gradually eliminated. The move was expected to save billions of dollars with a minimum of five per cent of the federal workforce anticipated to accept the offer.
The deadline set for the employees to make up their mind was 6 February, 2025. It was reported that about 65,000 Federal employees had embraced the programme with the administration extending the deadline so that more people could take up the offer.
A Boston judge, however, has blocked this buyout plan, issuing a restraining order. Trump’s attempt to send employees of US Agency for International Development (USAID) on paid leave has also been paused by the courts.
Trump had also signed an executive order sending all federal employees working in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) roles on paid leave in line. These widescale layoffs, however, were expected to spare employees who make critical contributions to national security, law enforcement, and management of immigrants.
