A U.S. judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to offer buyouts to federal employees. This decision, made by Judge George O’Toole in Boston, stops the administration from moving forward with the plan while the court considers whether to extend the block further.
The buyout proposal, which aimed to reduce the number of federal workers, gave over 2 million civilian employees until midnight on Monday to accept the offer. However, the judge’s decision puts the plan on hold, giving a short-term win to labor unions that oppose it. It is still unclear when O’Toole will make a final ruling.
What Is the Buyout Plan?
Trump’s administration wants to downsize the federal workforce, arguing that many employees work against his policies. The buyout offer promises employees their regular salaries and benefits until October—without requiring them to work. However, there is uncertainty about whether the funding will continue beyond March 14, when current government spending laws expire.
Despite warnings from unions, around 65,000 federal employees had reportedly signed up for the buyouts by Friday, according to a White House official. However, this number has not been independently verified.
During a court hearing, U.S. Justice Department lawyer Eric Hamilton described the buyout as a “humane option” for employees unhappy with Trump’s plans. However, union attorney Elena Goldstein argued that the plan was rushed and failed to consider how it would disrupt essential government services, such as those provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Elon Musk’s Role in Workforce Cuts
Trump has assigned Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to oversee the downsizing of the federal workforce through a newly created Department of Government Efficiency. However, this department is not an official government agency.
Musk’s involvement has sparked fear and protests among federal workers. Many are also concerned about the level of access Musk’s team has to sensitive government data, including information on federal payments to Americans and personal details of employees.
Lawsuits Against Trump’s Government Changes
Several lawsuits have been filed against Trump’s efforts to restructure the government.
- A union representing Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) workers is suing to stop acting chief Russell Vought from suspending CFPB activities.
- Attorneys general from 22 states have filed a lawsuit in Boston challenging major funding cuts for universities, medical centers, and research institutions.
- A judge has temporarily blocked Trump’s attempt to reduce staff at the U.S. Agency for International Development.
- A Rhode Island judge ruled that Trump must restore all domestic funding while the case is being reviewed.
- On Saturday, another judge blocked Musk’s team from accessing government systems used to process trillions of dollars in payments at the Treasury Department.
Trump’s buyout plan and broader efforts to reshape the federal workforce remain highly controversial, with legal battles continuing across the country.
