Federal Judge Clears Path for Trump’s Federal Worker Resignation Deadline
Staff Editor Federal Judge Lifts Block on Trump Administration’s Deferred Resignation Deadline
A federal judge has lifted an order that previously blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a deferred resignation deadline for federal workers. U.S. District Judge George O’Toole ruled that labor unions lacked standing to sue, as they were not directly impacted by the measure. The court also determined it lacked subject matter jurisdiction over the claims.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) had initially offered federal workers a deferred resignation option via email on January 28. Employees were given until February 6 to decide whether to remain in their roles or accept the offer, which included full pay and benefits until September 30, 2025. The proposal was described as a “fork in the road” for federal workers, with no guarantee of job security.
In response, labor unions filed a lawsuit to block the enforcement of the deadline. Judge O’Toole initially issued a temporary restraining order on February 6, extending the deadline. However, this restraining order was lifted on Wednesday, allowing the administration to proceed with implementing the original deadline.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hailed the ruling as a legal victory for President Trump. In contrast, Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, expressed disappointment but vowed to continue fighting for public servants. Kelley criticized the program as illegal and unfair to federal workers.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has been advocating for federal workforce cuts. President Trump recently signed an executive order for large-scale cuts and expanded DOGE’s hiring power. Musk defended the cuts as “common sense,” aligning with the administration’s priorities.
As the situation continues to develop, federal workers and their representatives await further clarification on the implications of this ruling and the future of the deferred resignation program.
