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Will National Park Service Lose Workers To Trump Buyout Offer?

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By

Kurt Repanshek

Published Date

January 29, 2025

Park rangers were discussing the Trump administration's offer to sign up for a deferred resignation, and questioning its validity.

An offer by the Trump administration to pay federal employees to quit is being viewed suspiciously by some in the National Park Service, with some initial thoughts labeling it a scam.

The offer to sign up for a "deferred resignation," which also said most employees who have been working remotely will be required to return to their offices, carries a few catches with it. Perhaps greatest is whether the administration can legally extend the offer.

“The president has no authority to make that offer. There’s no budget line item to pay people who are not showing up for work,” U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, said on the Senate floor Tuesday night. “If you accept that offer and resign, he’ll stiff you.”

That sentiment was shared on a Reddit page dedicated to park rangers.

"It's a scam...you won't get paid. Elon [Musk] proposed this to Twitter workers and those that quit were never paid," commented one on the thread.

A memo from the Office of Personnel Management said those who take the offer could in fact be recalled to work.

"Except in rare cases determined by your agency, you are not expected to work," read an FAQ entry from OPM.

Another Reddit follower pointed out a paragraph from the OPM offer that said the administration is demanding "loyalty" from federal employees.

"The federal workforce should be comprised of employees who are reliable, loyal, trustworthy, and who strive for excellence in their daily work," notes an OPM statement regarding the deferred resignation email that all federal employees received. "Employees will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward. Employees who engage in unlawful behavior or other misconduct will be prioritized for appropriate investigation and discipline, including termination."

"Might want to consider what your social media footprint looks like," the Reddit commenter said.

The OMB offer also said those who turn down the offer still could find themselves out of work.

"At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency but should your position be eliminated you will be treated with dignity and will be afforded the protections in place for such positions."

The offer to be paid for accepted the deferred resignation expires February 6, said OPM.

Many details were missing from the offer, noted one long-time Park Service veteran. For instance, who will handle the work of those who take up the offer?

"If you're a newbie with no loyalty to the agency it might be worth the gamble," they said. "For everyone else, it's a huge risk. Of course, people who don't want to give up remote work might be inclined to take the risk, too."

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