The Trump administration has issued a warning to federal employees, stating that they could face furloughs if they do not accept a buyout offer expiring on Thursday. This offer, providing eight months of pay and benefits through September for those who resign, is part of a plan to significantly reduce the federal workforce. The email sent by the Office of Personnel Management highlights potential loss of civil-service protections and hints at loyalty tests for remaining employees.

The administration, led by President Donald Trump, aims to downsize the majority of federal agencies, emphasizing restructuring and realignments for a more streamlined government. Elon Musk, now overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency, draws parallels to his past job cuts at Twitter, signaling a similar approach towards federal employees.

The email underscores the possibility of furloughs, reclassification of employee status, and enhanced standards of conduct in the workforce. It encourages reliable, loyal, and trustworthy employees while warning of consequences for those who do not meet the expected criteria.

While over 20,000 federal workers have accepted the buyout offer, concerns have been raised by New York Attorney General Letitia James and others about the offer’s accuracy and potential risks for employees. Despite the administration’s goal of 5% to 10% of employees accepting buyouts, the current acceptance rate stands at around 1%. Employees who opt to remain are assured of respectful treatment even if their positions are eliminated.