(VOR NEWS) – A federal judge has removed a significant legal barrier hindering President Trump’s initiative to reduce the federal workforce using a deferred resignation strategy.
The decision from a Boston judge marks a legal win for Trump after facing numerous court challenges. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt commented, “This demonstrates that legal challenges won’t override the wishes of millions who supported Trump’s goals.”
Despite this, another union group filed a lawsuit in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, though its effects are still uncertain.
Around 75,000 federal employees agreed to resign while still receiving pay until September 30, according to McLaurine Pinover from the Office of Personnel Management. She told the Associated Press that the program offers generous benefits for federal workers planning their futures and is now closed to new participants.
Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, stated that their legal team is considering further actions. “Today’s decision is a setback for fairness in public service. However, it doesn’t resolve the program’s legality,” Kelley said.
The union asserts that it’s wrong to force citizens into quick decisions about leaving their jobs and families for what they describe as an unfunded promise from Elon Musk.
Judge George O’Toole Jr. ruled that the unions weren’t directly impacted, so they lacked standing to challenge the program, often termed a buyout. O’Toole was appointed by former President Clinton.
The plan, led by Musk as Trump’s key adviser on cutting federal expenses, allows employees to leave work but still receive pay until the end of September.
Unions argued the plan was illegal and sought an order from O’Toole to halt it and stop the Office of Personnel Management from enrolling more workers.
A Justice Department lawyer called the strategy a compassionate option for employees who had adjusted to remote work and were being asked to return to government offices.
