A federal judge in Boston has extended the pause on the Trump administration’s deferred resignation buyout program for federal employees until he rules on a preliminary injunction.
The program, which offers full pay and benefits until September for employees who resign by a set deadline, has been challenged by federal employee unions and supported by Democratic attorneys general, who argue it forces workers out unlawfully under the threat of mass termination.
The Trump administration frames the buyout as a voluntary measure to streamline the federal workforce, but critics claim it lacks proper planning, congressional approval, and transparency.
Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. initially blocked the program just before its deadline, prompting the administration to extend the offer. Over 65,000 federal employees have already accepted the deal.
The lawsuit contends the program violates federal law by using unapproved funds and bypassing required evaluations of its impact.
Government lawyers argue any further delay will create uncertainty and disrupt federal workforce reforms. The judge has yet to decide whether to issue a longer-term injunction against the plan.
