Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

154,000 Federal Workers Paid to Stay Home: $21.7B Cost

8/2/2025

31 2

Left

Federal Employees Paid

Over 154,000 federal employees are being paid to stay home under the Trump administration's deferred resignation program, raising eyebrows and concerns. Critics decry the $21.7 billion cost to taxpayers, while supporters argue it could streamline government operations. However, the future remains uncertain for many workers caught in this controversial strategy.

Center

Civil Servants Depart

Over 148,000 civil servants have departed from the U.S. government since July 21, raising alarms about job cuts, especially at the IRS. The Partnership for Public Service underscores the potential dangers of prioritizing loyalty over competence in President Trump's hiring initiatives, threatening the very integrity of the civil service.

1 of 2

Federal Employees Paid

Over 154,000 federal employees are being paid to stay home under the Trump administration's deferred resignation program, raising eyebrows and concerns. Critics decry the $21.7 billion cost to taxpayers, while supporters argue it could streamline government operations. However, the future remains uncertain for many workers caught in this controversial strategy.

1 / 2