Trump's Controversial Federal Workforce Buyout Moves Forward

A U.S. judge has cleared the Trump administration to proceed with a buyout program for federal workers, potentially removing tens of thousands from payrolls. Despite union opposition, the program aims to downsize the civil service. About 65,000 employees have signed up so far.

A U.S. judge on Wednesday ruled in favor of the Trump administration's initiative to proceed with a federal worker buyout program aimed at reducing government payrolls. The decision, made by U.S. District Judge George O'Toole, comes after legal challenges delayed the original February 6 deadline for participation.

Despite opposition from labor unions, the administration announced the program is closed to new applicants. The buyout is one of several strategies employed by President Trump to cut a civilian workforce he deems ineffective and biased. Unions remain skeptical and warn members not to trust the administration's intentions.

The buyout offer, designed as an incentive amid broader workforce reductions, assures employees of their salaries and benefits until October. However, union lawsuits argue the program is arbitrary and breaches congressional spending limits, though initial challenges have been unsuccessful.

(With inputs from agencies.)