In a last-minute ruling, U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. temporarily halted the Trump administration’s deferred resignation program just hours before the midnight deadline for federal workers to apply.
The program, part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to downsize and reshape the federal workforce, has faced fierce opposition from labor unions, which filed a lawsuit challenging its legality.
Judge O’Toole did not rule on the merits of the program but ordered the administration to extend the application deadline until after a hearing scheduled for Monday at 2 p.m. EST.
READ: Dem Operative Says Dems Fear Trump’s Success As They’ll Have Nothing To Sell To The Public
The decision provides a temporary reprieve for federal employees who were considering applying for the program, which offers financial incentives in exchange for voluntary resignation.
The deferred resignation program, orchestrated by Elon Musk, a top adviser to President Trump, is a key component of the administration’s strategy to streamline the federal government.
The program aims to reduce the size of the federal workforce by encouraging voluntary departures, with the goal of improving efficiency and cutting costs.
READ :Federal Judge Limits DOGE’s Access To Treasury Payment Records Amid Legal Battle
However, critics argue that the program could lead to the loss of experienced workers and undermine the government’s ability to deliver essential services.
Labor unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), have filed lawsuits alleging that the program violates federal labor laws and workers’ rights.
This is a developing story.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
