‘We were blindsided’: Federal workers react to buy-out offer

The OPM itself issued follow-up guidance. No, employees who took the offer would not have to continue working through September. Yes, you can seek other employment during the resignation period. No, you are under no obligation to resign.

“The federal workforce is expected to undergo significant near-term changes. As a result of these changes (and for other reasons), you may wish to depart the federal government on terms that provide you with sufficient time and economic security to plan for your future – and have a nice vacation,” the OPM wrote on its new FAQ page, external.

And for at least a couple of the federal employees who spoke to the BBC, this explanation was enough. The VA counsellor said she would likely take the offer, saying she could make more money returning to her private counselling practice.

Hepp, too, said she was strongly considering it because she and her husband, a US marine, may soon be moving overseas. “This may almost be like a bailout for me,” she said.

But others said they found the offer insulting, like an underhanded way of forcing federal employees out.

In a statement, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal employee union, said the offer “should not be viewed as voluntary”.

“It is clear that the Trump administration’s goal is to turn the federal government into a toxic environment where workers cannot stay even if they want to.”

“It’s just unsettling to see such a blatant attack on federal employees,” said the young VA employee. “It’s kind of like a slap in the face.”

These same employees told the BBC they understood that turning down the deferred resignation would offer no guarantee of job security, citing the OPM.

“I thought this was a stable job, that I would have a stable income, and now that’s all up in the air,” said another employee at Veterans Affairs who previously served in the US Army and spoke to the BBC on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive matters.

This employee said he plans to “ride it out”, saying he wanted to continue to give veterans their care, despite being “hamstrung” by leadership.

“In my nearly 15 years of federal service, I’ve never seen this,” he said. “The morale has just completely crashed,” he said.