A federal judge has temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s plan to offer financial incentives for federal workers to resign, throwing a wrench into the administration’s effort to downsize the government. The ruling came just hours before the application deadline for the controversial program, which was spearheaded by Trump adviser Elon Musk.

Judge Issues Emergency Block on Program

U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. in Boston ruled on Thursday to pause the program’s implementation until he hears legal arguments from both sides in a court hearing scheduled for Monday afternoon.

“The deadline to apply must be extended until the court has had a chance to review the legal concerns,” the judge stated.

Labor unions and Democratic lawmakers argue that the program was not authorized by Congress, raising concerns that participants may not receive their promised payouts.

White House Defends the Plan, Calls Remote Workers “Lazy”

Despite the legal setback, the White House defended the program, claiming it had already drawn 40,000 applicants who had agreed to resign while being paid through September 30.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed criticism of the plan, taking aim at remote federal workers:

“They don’t want to come into the office. If they want to rip off the American people, then they’re welcome to take this buyout,” she said.

Federal Workers React: “It’s Demoralizing”

The program has sparked fear and frustration among government employees. Many see it as an attack on public service.

• A federal worker in Colorado said that insults from the administration have demoralized those providing essential government services.
• Another worker in the Pacific Northwest resigned despite the judge’s decision, saying she could no longer comply with the administration’s elimination of diversity initiatives.

One employee at the Department of Education expressed concern that the deal included a waiver of the right to sue if the government failed to follow through on payments.

Unions and Democrats Warn: “It’s a Scam”

Opponents argue the administration is pressuring employees to leave while hinting that layoffs or firings may follow.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email Wednesday, warning that federal agencies could soon face restructuring, downsizing, and job cuts.

“The majority of agencies are likely to be downsized through restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force,” the email read.

It also stated that remaining employees would be required to show “loyalty” and meet stricter conduct standards.

Union leaders warn federal workers not to take the offer, arguing they may never be paid.

“It’s a scam, not a buyout,” said Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees.

Trump’s Vision: A Radical Government Overhaul

The program is part of Trump’s broader effort to shrink the federal workforce, an initiative led by Elon Musk, whom Trump appointed to run the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Musk’s team has drawn comparisons between this program and his management style at Twitter, where he gave employees a “fork in the road” ultimatum—stay or leave with a severance package.

Rachel Oglesby, Chief of Staff at the Department of Education, told employees:

“It’s exactly what it looks like. This is just one of the many tools to reform the civil service.”

However, concerns remain about whether Trump has the legal authority to distribute federal funds for these buyouts.

Federal Workers Protest “Forced Resignations”

Opposition to Musk’s restructuring efforts has sparked demonstrations outside federal buildings, including a protest Tuesday at the Office of Personnel Management.

• Dante O’Hara, a government employee, warned: “If people don’t speak up, we’re all going to lose our jobs and be replaced by political loyalists.”
• Dan Smith, a Maryland resident, said: “It’s one thing to downsize the government. It’s another to obliterate it.”
• Mary-Jean Burke, a physical therapist for the Department of Veterans Affairs, fears mass resignations could severely impact veteran healthcare services.

A Plan Too Good to Be True?

Skepticism over the buyout offer grew after a DOGE social media post encouraged employees to take the deal by saying:

“Take the vacation you always wanted, or just watch movies and chill, while receiving your full government pay and benefits.”

For many, the message was a red flag, making them second-guess the legitimacy of the offer.

What’s Next?

With the court hearing set for Monday, the fate of the deferred resignation program remains uncertain. Federal workers face tough decisions as Trump’s administration continues its efforts to shake up the government workforce.

As union leaders and lawmakers warn against the plan, the big question remains: Will the government follow through on its promises—or leave workers empty-handed?

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