Trump’s Cost-Cutting Drive: Buyouts and Layoffs
Tens of Thousands of US Civil Servants Cleared for Buyout
In a move to slash the civilian workforce, US President Donald Trump’s administration has cleared tens of thousands of federal workers to take a buyout. According to a spokesman for the US Office of Personnel Management, about 75,000 workers have signed up for the program, equal to 3% of the civilian workforce.
Judge Rules in Favor of Buyout
The buyout program was initially delayed by unions representing federal workers who sued to stop the program. However, a federal judge, George O’Toole, ruled on Wednesday that the unions did not have legal standing to bring the lawsuit and that the issue needed to be tackled in other forums before landing in court.
Administration Promises Payment and Benefits
The administration has promised to pay the salaries and benefits of buyout participants through October without requiring them to work. However, unions have warned that the offer is not trustworthy, and there is no guarantee that salaries would be funded beyond March 14, when current spending laws expire.
Layoffs vs. Congressional Budget Plan
Trump has also ordered government agencies to prepare for widespread job cuts, with officials told to prepare for staff cuts of up to 70% at some agencies. In a separate move, Trump has deputized billionaire Elon Musk to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is working to cut US$1 trillion from the federal budget.
Musk’s Role in Cost-Cutting
Musk’s team is combing through payment and personnel records to identify employees who can be laid off and functions that can be eliminated entirely. Late on Wednesday, CNN reported that terminations of probationary employees were underway at the Department of Education (DOE) and the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Unions React to Ruling and Buyout
Unions representing federal workers have expressed disappointment with the judge’s decision and the buyout program. "Today’s ruling is a setback in the fight for dignity and fairness for public servants, but it’s not the end of that fight," said Everett Kelly, president of the American Federation of Government Employees.
Conclusion
The buyout program is one of many approaches Trump is taking to slash the civilian workforce, which he has blasted as ineffective and biased against him. The program’s success is uncertain, and its impact on the federal workforce remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the buyout program?
The buyout program is a program that allows federal workers to take a buyout and leave the government. - How many workers have signed up for the buyout?
About 75,000 workers have signed up for the buyout, equal to 3% of the civilian workforce. - Is the buyout program trustworthy?
Unions have warned that the offer is not trustworthy, and there is no guarantee that salaries would be funded beyond March 14, when current spending laws expire. - What is the goal of the buyout program?
The goal of the buyout program is to reduce the size of the federal workforce and cut costs.