A group of 12 state attorney generals are alerting federal employees about a deceptive program launched by the Trump administration. This initiative proposes a deferred resignation package that guarantees salary payments until September 30, 2025, for those who choose to resign by February 6.
The controversial “deferred resignation” offer, sent by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on January 28, claims that federal workers can continue to receive pay and benefits while being exempt from in-person work requirements until September 30. The OPM emails further urged employees to leave their positions for “higher productivity” jobs outside the government, warning that those who don’t accept the offer may not be guaranteed to keep their jobs.
“This so-called ‘buyout’ is yet another misleading and disturbing effort by the Trump/Musk Administration to intimidate workers and dismantle critical government services. I urge all federal employees—especially the 5,000 federal workers living here in Connecticut—to be deeply suspicious of this untrustworthy offer,” said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.
Attorney General Platkin emphasized that the move could unfairly target New Jersey’s tens of thousands of federal workers. “President Trump has allowed an unelected billionaire with no constitutional authority to intimidate civil servants who keep our government running,” Platkin said. “Federal workers have protections that do not change when a new President takes office.”
“Federal employees provide vital services that Americans rely on every day, and are an essential part of the California economy and communities across the state,” said State of California Attorney General Bonta. “The Trump Administration’s so-called buyout offer is a pointed attack aimed at dismantling our federal workforce and sowing chaos for Americans that rely on a functioning government. I urge federal employees to heed warnings from their unions to be very cautious of any buyout offers.”
“Federal employees are hardworking and dedicated civil servants who provide critical services to the people of the United States and Maryland,” said Maryland Attorney General Brown. “The terms of this vague, so-called ‘deferred resignation’ puts federal employees in an ambiguous position and risks straining essential government resources that people across the State and country rely on to live full, healthy lives.”
In response to the program, federal employee unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), have raised concerns, warning members that those who resign may not receive the promised benefits. Unions have urged employees to approach the offer with caution, as there is no guarantee of compensation if they choose to accept the program.
Joining Platkin in issuing the warning are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. Together, the coalition has called for immediate action to protect the rights of federal workers across the country.
“I urge federal employees from Washington state, or those working in our state, to contact their union if they are curious about this so-called buyout offer,” Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown said. “When I was a U.S. attorney, I saw firsthand the important and needed public services that federal employees provide. These shameless attacks on our federal workforce by a lawless president must stop.”
“I take my role to protect Michigan consumers very seriously, and that includes the tens of thousands of federal workers who call this state home,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “For those considering the buyout, read the fine print before signing and be cautious, as certain benefits may not be guaranteed. Employees who are represented by a union should work with their labor representatives before entering into any contract changes.”
“Federal workers are part of our Hawaiʻi ʻohana. They provide vital support to Hawaiʻi
through a host of services, programs and resources tied to drug intervention, internet
crimes against children, public corruption, agriculture, commerce, defense, education,
energy, health, transportation and veteransʻ affairs,” said Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez. “We
urge federal employees to be cautious and follow their union guidance to protect their
rights.”
