WASHINGTON — On Thursday, a federal judge granted a temporary injunction against President Donald Trump’s plan aimed at encouraging federal employees to resign voluntarily in exchange for financial incentives. This latest ruling contributes to the ongoing upheaval impacting millions of government workers.

The decision came just hours before the cutoff for employees wishing to enroll in the deferred resignation program. U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr., situated in Boston, instructed the administration to prolong this deadline until after a court session scheduled for Monday afternoon. Although O’Toole refrained from commenting on the program’s legality, which is under scrutiny from multiple labor unions, he stated that he would evaluate the arguments presented next week.

In light of this development, White House Press Secretary Karoline Levitt announced that more than 40,000 federal employees had shown interest in leaving their positions for compensation through September 30.

“We urge federal workers to seize this generous offer,” she remarked around the time the judge’s decision was announced. “If they choose not to continue working, they can accept this buyout, and we will recruit highly skilled individuals to fill their roles.”

This deferred resignation initiative was developed by Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and a significant advisor to Trump. The program is part of the Republican president’s broader mission to reform the federal government, which aims to reduce what his supporters refer to as the “deep state” that hindered his initial presidential term. Administration officials assert that this strategy will generate taxpayer savings by providing employees with “a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

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

Democratic and Union Concerns Over Employee Risks

On Wednesday, the administration escalated its pressure on employees to accept the buyout offer, warning of possible layoffs or furloughs.

“Many federal agencies are likely to undergo downsizing through restructuring and reductions in force,” stated a message from the Office of Personnel Management, which is heavily involved in Musk’s downsizing initiatives.

The email suggested that remaining employees would be expected to display “loyalty” and would face tighter standards of conduct moving forward. Additionally, some workers could see their civil service protections diminished.

“Employees engaging in unlawful or inappropriate behavior will be prioritized for investigation and disciplinary measures, possibly including termination,” the email cautioned.

Democrats have warned employees against accepting the deferred resignation program, claiming it lacks Congressional approval and could endanger their salaries.

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

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

A Department of Education employee, who requested anonymity due to fears of reprisal, indicated that the administration appears eager for employees to sign the agreement, yet raised concerns about several troubling aspects, including a clause that waives the right to pursue legal action if the government fails to meet its commitments.

Trump Official Supports the Initiative

Musk, appointed to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, is driving a broad initiative aimed at downsizing the federal workforce. The initial announcement of the deferred resignation program was titled “Fork in the Road,” echoing a message Musk sent to Twitter employees two years ago following his acquisition of the 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 of the America First Policy Institute, reiterated that Trump aims to streamline the federal workforce.

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

The topic was also discussed during a meeting with staff at the Department of Agriculture, where Marlon Taubenheim, a human resources official, acknowledged that “these are very challenging times” and noted the high levels of stress present.

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

Jacqueline Ponti-Lazaruk, another agency leader, mentioned that employees “probably didn’t have the time they would have liked to make such an important decision.”

For those who remain, she added, “we’ll just keep moving ahead.”

Despite reassurances from officials, anxiety remains prevalent among various agencies. Some federal employees express doubts regarding the legitimacy of the offers, questioning Trump’s authority to allocate funds, while others recall his history of defaulting on payments as a real estate mogul.

Musk’s Initiatives Spark Protests in D.C.

Demonstrations have occurred outside federal buildings, including a protest at the Office of Personnel Management on Tuesday.

“I’m taking a risk by speaking out and encouraging more federal workers to do the same,” declared Dante O’Hara, a government employee. “If we stay silent, we risk losing our jobs and seeing loyalists or those who will act as enforcers take our places.”

Historically, government positions have been viewed as stable, but O’Hara expressed a growing sense of unease. The prevailing sentiment among his colleagues is, “I don’t know if I’ll still be here tomorrow due to the uncertainty surrounding what’s next.”

Dan Smith, a Maryland resident whose father served 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 entirely different to attempt to dismantle it,” Smith asserted. “That’s what’s occurring, and it’s both alarming and unacceptable.”

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

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

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

This message backfired, as it seemed “too good to be true,” leading to hesitation among potential participants, Burke explained.

Regardless, she pointed out that Trump has effectively disrupted the federal workforce.

“Each day brings something new,” Burke reflected. “If his goal was to be a disrupter, he is certainly achieving that.”

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