The Trump administration is trying to entice more federal employees to buy into the president’s mass resignation scheme by adding an early retirement option to those eligible.
Last week, the 2 million strong federal workforce received an email from the Office of Personnel Management saying if they decided to resign by Feb. 6, they could go on paid leave until Sept. 30. President Donald Trump’s offer has sparked widespread confusion and fierce pushback from Democratic lawmakers and federal unions, who have advised civil servants not to step down.
Now, in another email sent Sunday night, OPM said federal employees can take part in the government’s early retirement program — known as Voluntary Early Retirement Authority, or VERA — if they decide to resign. That has only added to the uncertainty.
“Every FAQ email that gets sent out changes the offer,” said an EPA employee granted anonymity to speak candidly during a stressful time. “It’s like they are making it up as they go along.”
