White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied on Wednesday that a new buyout offer for federal workers is meant to remove government employees who oppose President Donald Trump.
This week, federal workers received an email about a “deferred resignation program” with a deadline of February 6. Those who accept it would continue receiving pay and benefits until September. The program is part of Trump’s plan to bring federal employees back to the office and reduce government spending.
When asked if the offer was just a way to remove people who disagree with Trump, Leavitt called the claim “completely false” and said the policy is very popular outside Washington, D.C.
She explained:
“This is simply telling federal workers they need to return to the office. If they choose not to, they have the option to resign, and the administration is generously offering to pay them for eight months. Right now, only 6% of federal employees in Washington, D.C. actually go to the office, and that’s not acceptable. Other workers, like law enforcement officers, teachers, and nurses, show up for work every day, and federal employees should do the same. The president promised this during his campaign, and we are following through.”
Leavitt also dismissed concerns that the plan would increase costs due to office space, saying the government is already paying for empty buildings.
“We’re making good use of government offices by having federal employees return. This order simply asks agencies to create a plan for returning to work. It’s not forcing every federal worker in Washington, D.C. to come back—only those who can, and in a way that follows the law,” she said.
