Large-Scale Reduction of Federal Workforce: President Trump Signs Executive Order
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 (Bernama-Xinhua) – US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order to further advance a large-scale reduction of the federal workforce, reported Xinhua.
Key Provisions of the Executive Order
The plan requires each agency to hire no more than one employee for every four employees that depart. This order does not affect the standing freeze on hiring as applied to the Internal Revenue Service. Additionally, this ratio "shall not apply to functions related to public safety, immigration enforcement, or law enforcement."
The order prioritizes reductions in force (RIFs) for offices that perform functions not mandated by statute or other law, including agency diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as agency initiatives, components, or operations that the administration suspends or closes.
Exemptions and Exceptions
The order does not apply to military personnel. Agency heads may exempt from this order any position "they deem necessary to meet national security, homeland security, or public safety responsibilities."
Buyout Offer
The White House Office of Personnel Management recently announced a "buyout" offer, which gives roughly eight months of salary to federal workers who opt to leave their jobs. The office said that for those who decide to remain in the current position, "we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency."
Deadline Extension
The original deadline for acceptance of the offer was set for Thursday. Just hours before the deadline, Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. from US District Court for the District of Massachusetts temporarily halted the administration’s "buyout" plan. The federal judge on Monday extended a pause on the deadline.
Impact and Protests
More than 60,000 employees have already agreed to resign as part of Trump administration’s effort to rapidly reduce the government workforce, according to a report by NBC News. That accounts for roughly 3 per cent of the 2 million federal employees deemed eligible for "deferred resignation." The recent large-scale workforce reduction measures for federal employees have sparked multiple protests in Washington, D.C.
Conclusion
The executive order aims to reduce the federal workforce, but its impact on the government’s ability to function effectively remains to be seen. The buyout offer and other measures may lead to a significant reduction in the number of federal employees, but it is crucial to ensure that the government can still provide essential services to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the executive order?
The executive order aims to reduce the federal workforce by requiring each agency to hire no more than one employee for every four employees that depart. - Who is exempt from this order?
Military personnel, as well as positions deemed necessary for national security, homeland security, or public safety responsibilities, are exempt from this order. - What is the buyout offer?
The White House Office of Personnel Management offers roughly eight months of salary to federal workers who opt to leave their jobs. - What is the impact of the workforce reduction?
More than 60,000 employees have already agreed to resign, accounting for roughly 3 per cent of the 2 million federal employees deemed eligible for "deferred resignation."