“Trump’s Buyout Offers at Risk? Education Dept. Warns of Sudden Cancellation!”
Top officials at the Department of Education warned staff Wednesday that accepting the Trump administration’s deferred resignation package could leave them without promised pay, as the Education Secretary may cancel the agreement at any time—without recourse.
Last week, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) informed federal employees that resigning by Feb. 6 would allow them to receive pay and benefits through September. The Trump administration aims to reduce the federal workforce by up to 10% through this program.
However, three Education Department officials told NBC News that during a Zoom meeting, Chief of Staff Rachel Oglesby and Chief Human Capital Officer Jacqueline Clay outlined major risks tied to the so-called “Fork in the Road” offer. They warned that the government could stop payments and employees would waive all legal claims upon resignation. The officials, who spoke anonymously for fear of retaliation, said they had only seen sample agreements and must agree to resign by Thursday evening before receiving the final terms.
“It sounded like a used car dealership ad—‘Act now, one day only,’” one official remarked.
The Education Department did not respond to requests for comment.
An OPM spokesperson disputed the claim, citing a memo stating the resignation offer is legally binding and employees could request to rescind their resignation if the government reneged on its commitments. However, the memo also includes a clause giving agency heads sole discretion to revoke the deal and preventing employees from challenging it before the Merit Systems Protection Board or any other forum.
A sample resignation agreement specific to Education Department employees contains similar language, according to a copy obtained by NBC News.
Federal Workers Fear Trump Buyout Offer Could Be a Bait-and-Switch
Pressure is mounting across the federal government as the Trump administration pushes employees to accept its controversial buyout offer. In a follow-up email Tuesday, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) warned federal workers that the deferred resignation program, known as “Fork in the Road,” will expire at 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 6, with no extensions.
So far, more than 40,000 employees have taken the offer, according to a White House official, out of a federal workforce exceeding two million. However, many fear the deal could be a bait-and-switch, with the government potentially failing to honor its commitments. Recent warnings from Education Department officials have only fueled those concerns.
Low Morale and Frustration at the Education Department
“The morale is pretty bad,” one Education Department official said. “A manager I work with hasn’t seen any emails for hours since the meeting ended—everyone just had the life sucked out of them.”
During a contentious Zoom meeting Wednesday, employees submitted questions in the chat but received no responses. Staff were also told that layoffs (Reduction in Force) are expected, though no details were given on timing or which offices would be affected. Additionally, employees must return to in-office work by February 24, with remote staff potentially reassigned to federal buildings within 50 miles of their homes.
Trump and Musk’s Radical Government Overhaul
The unusual buyout program is part of a broader effort by Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, head of the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency, to overhaul the federal government, slash spending, and even dismantle agencies. The sweeping changes, implemented through executive orders, have sparked outrage among Democrats and some Republicans, who warn that Trump and Musk are exceeding constitutional limits and triggering a constitutional crisis.
Federal labor unions have sued to stop the buyout program, arguing that the administration lacks legal authority to offer such deals. Unions and Democratic attorneys general have also cautioned workers that they may never receive the promised resignation benefits, calling the program a tactic to pressure employees into quitting.
Education Department on the Chopping Block?
Trump has nominated former WWE CEO and Small Business Administration head Linda McMahon as Education Secretary, though no confirmation hearing has been scheduled. Meanwhile, the Education Department faces an uncertain future. Trump has long vowed to eliminate it—an action that would typically require congressional approval. However, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that the White House is exploring executive measures to dismantle the department in phases.
With buyouts, layoffs, and agency closures looming, federal employees are left with tough decisions—and no clear guarantees.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com