As of January 28, 2025, amidst highly perplexing and multiple, often contradictory, communications from both President Trump and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), a “Trump buyout offer” for federal employees has emerged. However, it’s crucial to clarify that this offer is not a buyout in the traditional sense. Instead, it more accurately constitutes a resignation with a paid administrative leave component, offering no substantive additional benefits compared to resigning today without accepting the “offer.”  This plan is neither a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) nor Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA).  It simply says you can resign and stay home with pay (base reportedly not to exceed $25,000) until the effective date of your resignation.  

Trump “Buyout offer”

• Who is Eligible?
  The buyout is available to most civilian full-time federal employees, except those in immigration enforcement, national security, and the U.S. Postal Service. Eligible employees must decide by February 6, 2025.
• Deferred Resignation Option
  Participants in the program can stay on the payroll without working until September 30, 2025, ensuring a smooth transition.
• Return-to-Office Policy
  This program complements President Trump’s mandate to end remote work policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and return federal employees to full-time office work.
• New Workforce Standards
  The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has introduced updated employment and conduct guidelines as part of the administration’s strategy to optimize the federal workforce.

OPM Memorandum

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