On Tuesday, January 28, the Trump administration introduced a deferred resignation program for over 2 million federal employees in the United States. This program allows eligible workers to resign from their jobs while still receiving full pay and benefits until September 30, 2025.
Originally, federal employees had until Thursday, February 6 to decide whether to opt in. However, a Massachusetts District Judge, George O’Toole Jr., temporarily blocked the program, extending the deadline to Monday, February 10.
The buyout program is part of a broader effort by Donald Trump’s administration to reduce and restructure the federal workforce. Billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump supporter, is leading this initiative.
Who Is Eligible for the Buyout?
Not all federal workers qualify for the buyout. A letter from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), released on January 28, states that certain positions are excluded, including:
- Military personnel in the armed forces
- U.S. Postal Service employees
- Workers involved in immigration enforcement
- Employees in national security roles
- Any other roles specifically excluded by their federal agency
How Large Is the Federal Workforce?
The Pew Research Center reports that federal employees make up almost 2% of the U.S. civilian workforce, with approximately 3 million federal workers.
- 1.3 million active-duty military personnel
- 600,000+ U.S. Postal Service employees
This makes the federal government the single largest employer in the U.S., surpassing Walmart, Amazon, and McDonald’s.
How Many Federal Workers Are in South Carolina?
According to data from the OPM and World Population Review, about 1% of South Carolina’s workforce consists of federal employees. As of December 2024, South Carolina had a workforce of over 2 million people.
However, since military personnel and postal service employees are excluded, the buyout does not affect these groups.
Federal Employment in South Carolina
- U.S. Postal Service: 5,470 employees
- Military personnel: 35,000 active-duty personnel (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force)
- Department of Defense: 9,000+ employees
What Jobs Could Be Affected in Beaufort County?
Since many federal workers are excluded from the buyout, it’s unclear exactly how many jobs in South Carolina will be impacted. However, employees in key agencies may be affected.
Federal Agencies in South Carolina:
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Department of Agriculture & Defense
- Congaree National Park
- National Weather Service
- Savannah River Site
In Beaufort County, there are about 2,100 federal workers. Here are some of the roles that could be impacted:
- Veteran Health Administration – Social service crisis responders
- Civil Engineers – Infrastructure projects
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – Security officers, warehouse staff
- Naval Facility Technicians – Maintenance of naval operations
- Department of Defense Education – School maintenance workers
- U.S. Marine Corps – Hazardous material handlers, administrative staff
- Food Service Workers – Military base cafeterias
- Retail Associates – Commissary and base retail shops
- Financial Analysts – Federal budgeting and planning
- Park Maintenance Crews – National parks and wildlife conservation
How Many Employees Have Taken the Buyout?
As of Friday, February 7, neither the OPM nor the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) has released data on how many federal employees in South Carolina have accepted the buyout.
A study by the Partnership for Public Service found that 6% of federal employees resign or retire each year, meaning some workers may have already planned to leave before this program was introduced.
One key factor in the buyout decision is the Trump administration’s in-office work requirement for federal employees. Many workers may be choosing to opt out to avoid the new return-to-office policy.
Is the Buyout Program Legal?
When the buyout letters were sent out on January 28, many federal employees and managers were confused.
Labor unions quickly responded, calling the program illegal and advising workers not to resign.
Judge George O’Toole Jr. blocked the buyout deadline until Monday, February 10, so he could hear legal arguments in court.
Trump Administration’s Response
A follow-up email sent to federal employees on Tuesday, February 4, stated:
- Congressional approval is not required for this program
- Employees who opt in are guaranteed full pay and benefits
- Those who accept the buyout cannot sue their agency regarding employment or resignation terms
The legality of the program will be determined after the court hearing on February 10.
What’s Next?
If the court allows the buyout to move forward, federal workers in South Carolina and across the U.S. will have to decide whether to stay or accept the deferred resignation offer.
The Trump administration has made it clear that employees who refuse the buyout could still face job cuts in the future.
Federal employees now have a few more days to weigh their options before the final deadline on Monday, February 10.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.
