Education Department Staff Warned Trump Buyout Offers May Be Revoked

Top officials at the Department of Education have warned employees that the Trump administration’s buyout offer, which promises continued pay until September for those who resign, could be rescinded without notice. Employees were informed that accepting the buyout means waiving all legal claims and that the education secretary retains the ability to cancel the agreement. Despite over 40,000 federal workers having already accepted similar offers, skepticism remains regarding the promised payments, leading to fears that the buyouts are more of an intimidation tactic rather than a genuine opportunity. The administration aims to reduce the federal workforce by encouraging 5% to 10% of employees to accept the buyouts. Officials noted that employees were only shown sample agreements and would need to resign before seeing the actual terms. While the Education Department and OPM have dismissed these concerns, citing binding assurances, employees remain apprehensive about the potential risks involved in the buyout offer.