AssetID: 54471339
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Trump's Federal Buyout Plan Sparks Controversy and Legal Challenges
Caption: Trump’s Federal Buyout Plan Sparks Controversy and Legal Challenges. President Donald Trump has proposed a buyout plan offering nearly all federal employees eight months’ salary if they agree to resign by September, in a sweeping move to downsize and reform the government. Federal workers must decide by 6 February whether to accept the “deferred resignation” package, according to an email from the administration. The administration expects around 200,000 workers—10% of the federal workforce—to accept, potentially saving the government up to $100bn (£80bn). The offer excludes certain employees such as postal workers, military personnel, immigration officials, and national security staff. The message also warned remaining employees of possible future layoffs. The buyout plan aligns with Trump’s push to end Covid-era remote work policies, requiring most government employees to work in-office five days a week. Critics, including the American Federation of Government Employees, slammed the move as a “purge” with unintended consequences that could disrupt essential public services. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine questioned Trump’s authority to implement the buyouts, warning employees against trusting the offer: “Do not be fooled by this guy.” Trump assigned Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead an advisory body aimed at cutting government spending and headcounts, though Ramaswamy has since stepped down. The buyout plan coincided with Trump’s controversial pause on federal grants and loans. A district judge temporarily halted the freeze amid confusion over its scope. On the same day, Trump signed an executive order restricting gender-affirming care for minors, prohibiting federal support for medical transitions under 19, a policy expected to face legal challenge. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Donald Trump,Plans,Sparks,Controversy,Pay,Buyout,Federal,Workers,Legal,Challenges,Slary,Resign,September,Reform,Government,Downsize,Proposed,Sweeping,Move,Employees,Elon Musk,Vivek Ramaswamy
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