The Trump administration has unveiled a new initiative offering nearly two million federal employees an eight-month payout if they choose to resign. Employees have been given until February 6 to accept the offer, a move aimed at significantly downsizing the federal workforce.

A senior Trump administration official told NBC News that an estimated 5-10% of employees are expected to accept the offer, potentially leading to approximately $100 billion in savings. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued an email to employees outlining the upcoming changes, stating that most federal agencies will undergo “restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force.”

Stringent Conduct Standards Introduced

As part of the initiative, the administration has reinforced strict standards of conduct for federal employees. The OPM stated that government workers must demonstrate “enhanced standards of conduct” and be “reliable, loyal, and trustworthy.” Employees found engaging in “unlawful behavior or misconduct” will be prioritized for investigation and potential termination.

The administration insists that the measure is part of an effort to cut excessive government spending. However, critics argue that it is a strategy to replace career professionals with politically aligned appointees and contractors who would carry out Trump’s agenda without question.

Comparisons to Elon Musk’s Twitter Layoffs

The OPM’s email has drawn comparisons to Elon Musk’s mass layoffs at X (formerly Twitter) in 2022. Notably, the subject line of the government email, “A Fork in the Road,” is identical to that used by Musk when he took over Twitter. Observers, including ABC News’ Cheyenne Haslett, pointed out similarities in language, with the OPM’s email emphasizing excellence in government work, mirroring Musk’s expectations of “exceptional performance” at Twitter.

Musk, who has been vocal in his support for far-right policies, is reportedly involved in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been tasked with eliminating redundant staff and reducing government spending.

While the administration portrays this initiative as a cost-cutting measure, opponents view it as an effort to reshape the federal workforce in alignment with Trump’s political vision. The true impact of these mass resignations and policy shifts remains to be seen.