The Trump administration has launched a bold new federal buyout program, offering nearly 2 million civilian employees full pay and benefits through September if they resign by February 6. The initiative, called the “deferred resignation program,” aims to cut government spending and bring employees back to the office—citing that only 6% of workers in D.C. are currently showing up in person.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denies accusations that the plan is a political purge, insisting it’s a cost-saving, efficiency-driven move.

Supporters praise it as a necessary step toward modernizing the federal workforce. Critics, including union leaders, warn it could gut public services and pressure career employees to leave under the guise of choice.

With high stakes and strong opinions on both sides, the outcome of this policy could redefine the future of public service in America. Read more below