Post Reports The government is paying 154,000 people not to work
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Aug 4, 2025 Meryl Kornfield, a Post reporter specializing in federal government coverage, dives into the striking revelation that over 154,000 federal employees are currently being paid not to work due to a deferred resignation program initiated by the Trump administration. She discusses the challenges of uncovering accurate staffing data and the financial strain on taxpayers. Meryl also explores the emotional and psychological impact this program has on former workers, who find themselves in a strange limbo of receiving pay without performing any duties.
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Brian Griffin’s Deferred Resignation Story
- Brian Griffin worked 30 years for the Department of Agriculture inspecting commodities including orange juice.
- He accepted the deferred resignation offer, is paid through September, and enjoys not working while still receiving a salary.
Deferred Resignation Program Explained
- The Trump administration offered a "fork in the road" program letting federal employees resign but keep paid for months.
- This was part of a drastic federal workforce reduction under the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency.
154,000 Fed Workers Paid Not To Work
- Over 154,000 federal workers voluntarily took buyouts and are paid to not work.
- This figure excludes people placed on paid leave but not counted, so actual numbers are likely higher.