WASHINGTON — A federal judge has granted a temporary injunction against President Donald Trump’s plan to incentivize federal employees to resign through financial buyouts. This ruling adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing events impacting millions of government employees.

The decision came just hours before the cut-off for employees wishing to enroll in the deferred resignation program. U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr., based in Boston, has mandated the administration to prolong this deadline until after a court hearing scheduled for Monday afternoon. While O’Toole refrained from commenting on the program’s legality, which is being contested by several labor unions, he expressed his intention to evaluate the arguments presented next week.

In a related development, White House press secretary Karoline Levitt announced that over 40,000 federal employees have shown interest in leaving their positions in exchange for compensation through September 30.

“We encourage federal employees to take advantage of this generous offer,” she stated, coinciding with the judge’s ruling. “If they choose not to continue working, they can accept the buyout, and we will recruit highly qualified professionals to fill their roles.”

The deferred resignation program was created by Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and influential adviser to Trump. This initiative aligns with the Republican president’s agenda to reform the federal government, aiming to dismantle what his supporters refer to as the “deep state” that they believe obstructed his earlier term. Administration officials argue that this strategy will yield savings for taxpayers by providing employees with “a valuable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Read More: Should Federal Workers Accept Trump’s Buyout Offer?

Democratic and Union Concerns Over Worker Risks

On Wednesday, the administration ramped up its pressure on employees to accept the buyout offer, warning of potential layoffs or furloughs on the horizon.

“Many federal agencies are likely to face downsizing through restructuring and workforce reductions,” warned a communication from the Office of Personnel Management, a central figure in Musk’s downsizing efforts.

The message indicated that remaining employees would need to show “loyalty” and would be subject to more stringent conduct standards moving forward. Some employees may also see their civil service protections diminished.

“Employees exhibiting unlawful or improper behavior will face prioritized investigations and potential disciplinary actions, including termination,” the email cautioned.

Democrats have warned workers against participating in the deferred resignation program, arguing that it lacks Congressional authorization and could threaten their salaries.

“It’s a scam and not a legitimate buyout,” asserted Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees.

Kelley advised workers, “If I were in their shoes, I wouldn’t do it.”

A Department of Education employee, who wished to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation, remarked that the administration appears eager for employees to sign the agreement but raised concerns about a clause that waives the right to sue if the government does not fulfill its obligations.

Defense of the Initiative by Trump Officials

Musk, appointed to head the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, is overseeing this broad initiative aimed at reducing the federal workforce. The initial communication detailing the deferred resignation program was titled “Fork in the Road,” reminiscent of a message Musk sent to Twitter employees two years ago after acquiring the social media platform.

Trump administration officials have organized Q&A sessions for employees as the deadline approaches.

Rachel Oglesby, chief of staff at the Department of Education and a former employee at the America First Policy Institute, stated that Trump’s goal is to diminish the federal workforce.

“There have been numerous questions about whether this is a genuine offer or a trick,” she said in a recording obtained by The Associated Press. “It’s exactly what it appears to be. It’s one of many strategies he’s employing to fulfill his campaign promise of reforming civil service and transforming D.C.”

The topic has also been discussed in meetings with Department of Agriculture staff, where Marlon Taubenheim, a human resources official, acknowledged, “these are very challenging times” and noted the prevalent stress among employees.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have all the answers,” he admitted.

Jacqueline Ponti-Lazaruk, another leader within the agency, indicated that employees likely didn’t have adequate time to make such a significant decision.

For those who decide to stay, she assured, “we’ll just keep moving forward.”

Despite reassurances from officials, anxiety remains prevalent among various agencies. Some federal employees question the legitimacy of the offers, doubting Trump’s authority to allocate funds, and recalling his history of payment defaults as a real estate mogul.

Musk’s Plans Spark Protests in Washington

Protests have erupted outside federal buildings, including a demonstration at the Office of Personnel Management on Tuesday.

“I’m taking a risk and speaking out boldly to inspire more federal workers to do the same,” said Dante O’Hara, a government employee. “If we remain silent, we risk losing our jobs to loyalists or those who will act as their enforcers.”

Historically, government positions have been perceived as stable, but O’Hara expressed growing unease. The prevailing sentiment among his colleagues is, “I don’t know if I’ll be here tomorrow because we’re uncertain about what lies ahead.”

Dan Smith, a Maryland resident whose father worked as a research scientist at the Department of Agriculture, lamented that federal employees are “so undervalued and taken for granted.”

“It’s one thing to downsize the government; it’s another to dismantle it,” Smith declared. “That’s what’s happening, and it’s both alarming and unacceptable.”

Mary-Jean Burke, a physical therapist at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Indianapolis, voiced concerns that an exodus of employees could jeopardize healthcare services.

Burke, who also serves as a union official, noted that skepticism regarding the buyout offer has grown.

“At first, many were enthusiastic about leaving,” she shared. “But then they encountered a social media post from DOGE, suggesting they could ‘take the vacation they’ve always wanted or simply relax while receiving full government pay and benefits.’”

This message backfired, as it appeared “too good to be true,” making people hesitant to proceed, Burke explained.

Nonetheless, she observed, Trump has effectively disrupted the federal workforce as intended.

“Every day brings something new,” Burke remarked. “If his goal was to be a disruptor, he’s certainly achieving that.”

—This report includes contributions from Associated Press writers Nancy Benac, Nathan Ellgren, Gary Fields, Joshua Goodman, Will Weissert, and Brian Witte.