Judge Blocks Trump’s Federal Worker Buyout Plan Hours Before Deadline/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to offer financial incentives for federal workers to resign, delaying the midnight deadline for employees to opt into the deferred resignation program. Judge George O’Toole Jr. in Boston scheduled a Monday hearing to assess the program’s legality, amid lawsuits from government employee unions. The buyout plan, designed to downsize the federal workforce, is a key initiative led by Trump adviser Elon Musk.
Judge Blocks Trump’s Federal Worker Buyout Plan: Quick Look
- A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s buyout offer for federal employees.
- The resignation deadline is on hold, pending a Monday court hearing.
- More than 50,000 federal workers had opted in, out of 2 million eligible employees.
- Unions sued to stop the plan, arguing it was legally questionable and coercive.
- Trump’s administration warns of impending layoffs for those who don’t accept the buyout.
- Elon Musk, a top Trump adviser, orchestrated the plan as part of a government downsizing effort.
Judge Blocks Trump’s Federal Worker Buyout Plan Hours Before Deadline
Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump’s Federal Worker Buyout Plan
Trump’s Federal Workforce Reduction Hits Legal Roadblock
A federal judge in Boston issued an emergency order Thursday, blocking President Donald Trump’s controversial buyout plan for federal workers just hours before the midnight deadline.
The so-called “deferred resignation program” was part of Trump’s broader effort to downsize the federal workforce, offering financial incentives to employees who voluntarily resign.
U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. did not rule on the legality of the program but paused its implementation until a Monday hearing to determine whether the plan can move forward.
“The court finds that a delay is necessary to ensure federal workers are making informed decisions without undue pressure,” O’Toole wrote.
Unions Sue, Calling the Program “Coercive”
The decision follows lawsuits from multiple federal employee unions, arguing that the program was unapproved by Congress and pressured workers into resigning.
- The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) warned employees that those who don’t opt in risk termination.
- Two senior Trump officials told CNN that widespread layoffs are planned.
- Unions argue that the program violates federal labor laws and could leave workers without promised compensation.
“This is not a legitimate buyout—it’s a purge,” said Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees.
Elon Musk’s Role in the Workforce Reduction
The buyout initiative was led by Elon Musk, one of Trump’s top advisers, through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
- Musk has aggressively pushed for mass reductions in federal employment.
- More than 50,000 workers had reportedly signed up before the court’s ruling.
- Musk framed the plan as a cost-saving measure, but critics argue it targets career civil servants.
What’s Next?
- A court hearing on Monday will determine whether Trump’s plan can proceed.
- Federal workers will be notified that the resignation deadline has been postponed.
- The administration may appeal, as Trump seeks further cuts to the federal workforce.
For now, the fate of Trump’s buyout plan remains uncertain, as legal battles continue over the future of America’s public workforce.
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