Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and 11 other attorneys general warned federal employees against the Trump administration’s “deferred resignation” program, which offers continued pay for resigning by February 6, 2025, citing concerns over vague terms and potential harm to government services.
Per the news release: “Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 11 attorneys general in warning federal employees about the Trump administration’s “deferred resignation” program, which offers continued pay through September 30, 2025, for employees who resign by February 6, 2025.
“Federal employees are hardworking and dedicated civil servants who provide critical services to the people of the United States and Maryland,” said Attorney General Brown. “The terms of this vague, so-called ‘deferred resignation’ put federal employees in an ambiguous position and risk straining essential government resources that people across the State and country rely on to live full, healthy lives.”
Unions have provided guidance to employees to assist in protecting their rights. Federal employees provide critical services that Americans rely on every day, and this buyout offer is seen as another attack on the government’s ability to provide vital support for Americans.
On January 28, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email to millions of federal employees detailing a new deferred resignation program. Employees were told that if they accepted the offer and resigned, they would continue receiving all pay and benefits and be exempt from in-person work requirements until September 30.
On January 30, OPM sent another email reiterating the offer and urging employees to find “higher productivity” jobs outside of government. The emails stated that employees had until February 6 to either remain in their positions or resign, while warning that those who did not resign were not guaranteed to keep their jobs.
Immediately following OPM’s email, unions representing federal employees warned their members against accepting the offer. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employees union, released information warning members that employees who accepted the offer were not guaranteed its benefits. Similarly, the National Federation of Federal Employees advised its members against accepting the offer.
Joining Attorney General Brown in issuing the warning to federal employees are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, and Washington.
For more information, visit: www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov.”