Judge Greenlights Mass Federal Employee Purge as DOGE’s Buyout Plan Moves Forward

DOGE (Department of Government EXTINCTION) TRACKER UPDATE

DOGE v. Federal Employees

🔴 UPDATE: February 12, 2025

In a major victory for the Trump administration’s purge of the federal workforce, U.S. District Judge George A. O'Toole Jr. has lifted the temporary restraining order that previously blocked DOGE from proceeding with its deferred resignation program. The ruling allows the administration to move forward with its plan to shrink the federal workforce by thousands under the pretense of voluntary buyouts.

Despite legal challenges from federal employee unions, which argued the initiative was both illegal and lacked congressional authorization, O'Toole determined the unions lacked standing to challenge the program. As a result, the resignation offer remains valid, and all prior applicants will now be processed for departure.

🔍 Key Developments:

• Program Resumes: The deferred resignation scheme, which incentivizes federal employees to leave with eight months of pay and benefits, is back in effect. Over 65,000 employees have already accepted the offer.

• Final Deadline Passed: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has closed the program to new applicants as of 7:20 p.m. EST on February 12, 2025—meaning federal employees who didn’t apply in time are now locked into whatever working conditions DOGE imposes next.

• Escalating Fallout: Federal agencies are now scrambling to compensate for massive staffing losses while watchdogs warn of an impending crisis in institutional expertise.

🚨 Why This Matters:

This ruling greenlights the systematic gutting of the federal workforce, allowing the Trump administration to hollow out agencies, replace career professionals with loyalists, and accelerate the dismantling of government institutions. With no further legal obstacles, the exodus of skilled personnel will cripple agencies that provide vital public services.

📌 Sources:

• Reuters: US judge allows Trump to proceed with government employee buyout

• Federal News Network: Judge lifts restraining order blocking deferred resignation program

• Politico: Judge allows Trump to implement "Fork in the Road" deadline for federal workers

• AP News: Judge removes key legal hurdle for Trump’s plan to trim federal workforce with deferred resignations

• Wall Street Journal: Judge lifts freeze on Trump’s buyout plan for federal workers