Ruling in effect until February 10

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily suspended the Trump administration’s “deferred resignation” program. The initiative offered eight months of salary to federal employees who voluntarily resigned before February

This plan was part of a broader government restructuring led by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Its goal was to reduce the size of the federal workforce

The court’s suspension will remain in place at least until February 10, while le

The program allowed eligible employees to submit their resignations effective September 30, 2025. During this period, they would continue receiving their salary and benefits. However, military personnel, U.S. Postal Service employees, and immigration and national security officers were excluded from the offer.

By the original deadline, over 40,000 employees had accepted the offer, representing only 2% of the federal workforce. The administration had aimed for a reduction of 5-10%.

Unions and Democratic lawmakers have criticized the program, arguing it may be illegal and could disrupt essential government functions.

The American Federation of Government Employees and other unions filed lawsuits challenging the initiative, leading to its temporary suspension.