Media: US federal employees face new buyout offers in government downsizing plan Led by Musk

Federal workers across key US agencies, including Defence, Transportation, Agriculture, and Energy, are being offered buyouts again as part of an ongoing effort to reduce the federal workforce.

The effort, spearheaded by Elon Musk, marks the latest phase of a broader government downsizing strategy, reminiscent of Musk’s "Fork in the Road" programme in January, which allowed federal workers to leave their posts but continue receiving pay until September, Caliber.Az reports via Bloomberg.

This new wave of buyout offers is being implemented department by department, each with different deadlines and eligibility criteria. "Exemptions should be rare," a memo from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated. "My intent is to maximise participation so that we can minimise the number of involuntary actions that may be required to achieve the strategic objectives."

At the Department of Transportation, employees have until April 7 to accept their buyout offers, which are being described as “strictly voluntary.” Those who opt for the offer will continue to receive their pay and benefits through September 30 and will be excluded from any further involuntary separations.

Similarly, the Department of Energy has given its employees an additional day to decide, with the deadline extended to April 8, while the Department of Housing and Urban Development has set an April 11 deadline.

The General Services Administration (GSA) has also extended the offer to its workers, announcing that there are no positions excluded from the buyout scheme. GSA employees have until April 18 to indicate their intention to accept the offer, regardless of whether they are already on existing reduction-in-force lists.

The initiative is seen as a second chance for federal employees to voluntarily leave their roles after the first round of buyouts, which saw approximately 75,000 workers exit — around 3% of the federal workforce. The White House had aimed to reduce the workforce by 5% to 10%, but the initial round fell short of these targets. Since then, further waves of layoffs and firings have resulted in tens of thousands of job cuts across agencies.

Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has been closely coordinating these efforts, leading to significant controversy and a number of lawsuits challenging the terminations, which are still progressing through the courts.

Notably, the Transportation Department’s latest buyout offer specifically excludes “essential” employees such as air traffic controllers, cybersecurity specialists, and safety inspectors for aviation and railways, as these positions are considered critical to public safety.

As the government continues its efforts to streamline its operations, many employees are now weighing whether to take the buyout offers or remain in their roles, with some uncertain about the long-term implications of such a major workforce reduction.

By Aghakazim Guliyev