During a press briefing at the White House, President Donald Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, announced that a significant number of federal workers have accepted a buyout offer. Miller emphasized the importance of having dedicated and engaged individuals in positions of authority, especially when their roles impact the lives of the American people.
Miller mentioned that federal workers who are dissatisfied in their current roles, exhibit a lack of commitment, or show disengagement from their responsibilities are not ideal for positions of significant authority. He highlighted the administration's goal of revamping the federal hiring process to attract individuals who are fully committed to providing high-level public service.
A memo released on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s website revealed that federal workers who are unwilling to return to the office are being offered buyouts. This move comes as the administration aims to transition employees back to in-person work, following flexible work arrangements that were in place during the pandemic.
Employees who opt to accept the buyout offer are required to resign by February 6 and will receive severance payments until September 30. The initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline the federal workforce and ensure that those in positions of authority are dedicated to their roles and responsibilities.
