Trump to lay off 2 million civil servants: Employees 'encouraged' to resign

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The new government in the US has provided details on its plan to reduce government spending. It was already known that US President Donald Trump wanted to lay off 'civil servants.' It was alleged that the new government would terminate the employment of approximately 2 million civil servants to reduce government spending. The Trump administration stated in an email sent to civil servants that financial incentives would be offered for them to resign.

According to an email sent to federal employees, the plan, called the 'Term Resignation Program,' will allow employees to continue receiving their salaries until September 30. However, civil servants will not be going to work during this period. The Trump administration will use this time to 'reduce or eliminate the duties' of the civil servants.

Employees who accept the offer were instructed to reply to the email from a government account and write the word 'resign.' The offer does not cover those working in immigration offices and national security-related positions, nor those working for the US Postal Service. It was noted that the offer was sent to all civil servants not working in these institutions.

According to Reuters, federal employees have been given until February 6 to decide whether to participate in the program. The report also included the following commentary:

'This unprecedented move comes after Trump began using his powers in his first days in office to shrink, purge and restructure the US federal government to fit his political priorities.'

In the US, civil servants are critical in identifying the needs of lower-income groups and organizing government aid. Trump's decision to downsize the government could most affect the lower class in the near term.

WARNING TO CIVIL SERVANTS: 'WE CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR JOB'

There are approximately 2.3 million civil employees in the US, excluding the Postal Service. Furthermore, security-related organizations make up a large portion of the federal workforce. However, hundreds of thousands of civil servants across the country work in jobs such as regulating health services provided to veterans, overseeing agricultural activities, and managing the government's financial expenditures.

The ratio of federal employees in the non-agricultural workforce in the country is currently below 2 percent. This rate had already been declining for decades.

The email stated that while the military and some agencies are likely to increase their personnel numbers, most agencies are planned to downsize through restructuring and layoffs. Federal employees were warned that their jobs could not be guaranteed.

The Trump administration also emphasized in its message that it expects to see a 'more streamlined and flexible workforce,' stating the following:

'At this time, we cannot give you any assurances regarding the future of your position or agency. However, if your position is eliminated, you will be treated with respect.'

Elon Musk argues that civil servants are 'unnecessary and that the US should not allocate a budget for civil society services.'

IS TRUMP'S OFFER A HOAX?

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine described the development as a 'fake offer.' Kaine stated that Trump does not have the authority to make such an offer and that employees might not receive the promised payments.

It was unclear how many employees would accept the offer and what impact this would have on government costs or service levels. NBC News published an article estimating that 5 to 10 percent of the federal workforce could leave their jobs, which could lead to $100 billion in savings. The figures published by NBC do not cite a verified source.

Billionaire Elon Musk, whom Trump has tasked with 'overseeing government cost-cutting efforts,' had initially aimed to cut $2 trillion from the $6.8 trillion federal budget.

Senator Tim Kaine

CIVIL SERVANTS HAD BEEN PLACED ON LEAVE

Trump issued directives to restructure the government in his first days in office. According to the directives, a large number of government employees were placed on paid leave.

Heads of federal agencies were asked to identify employees still in their probationary period and those who had served for less than two years. Under US law, it is easier to lay off employees in these categories.

The US President also froze federal hiring, except for military offices, immigration offices, national security, and public safety agencies.

Trump also signed an executive order that would make it easier to lay off thousands of federal employees by reclassifying their job status. Reclassifying 'job status' means changing the status of employees and reducing their job security.

American Federation of Government Employees President Everett Kelley urged federal employees not to make hasty decisions, stating:

'It is clear that the Trump administration's goal in pursuing anti-worker executive orders and policies is to turn the federal government into a toxic environment where employees cannot stay even if they want to.'