More than 20,000 U.S. federal employees—roughly 1% of the workforce—have accepted the Trump administration’s voluntary resignation program, which offers pay and benefits through Sept. 30, according to reports.
The “deferred resignation” program was offered to about 2 million full-time federal employees. The White House originally targeted 5% to 10% participation, which it beliefs could have saved taxpayers up to $100 billion.
A last-minute surge in resignations is expected in the 24 to 48 hours before Thursday’s deadline, meaning the final number could be significantly higher.
Meanwhile, 11 Democratic attorneys general have warned that the program is “misleading” and may not guarantee promised benefits, urging workers to consult their unions before accepting.