As a partial government shutdown looms, over 100,000 federal employees are set to resign amid preparations by the Trump administration. The federal government faces a potential shutdown if no agreement is reached by midnight on Tuesday. A memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) instructed agencies to identify workers in “non-essential roles” for possible separation during a partial shutdown. OMB Director Russ Vought emphasized the need for the administration to be ready for a shutdown driven by Democratic actions, according to reports.

Agencies are required to submit plans to the OMB for approval, with staff reductions delayed for 60 days—likely after any shutdown concludes. The longest government shutdown in history lasted 35 days in late 2018 and early 2019, ending when the president declared a national emergency to redirect funds. The memo underscores efforts to maximize political pressure on Democrats during the shutdown crisis.

Democratic leaders criticized the move as an attempt to intimidate them into concessions on healthcare policy. A reported $14.8 billion resignation program would pay 200,000 workers full salaries and benefits while on administrative leave, though officials claimed it would reduce long-term government spending. The White House spokesperson stated there was “no additional cost” to the government, calling the plan the “largest and most effective workforce reduction in history” that could save $28 billion annually.

Approximately 275,000 employees are expected to leave through delayed resignations, voluntary separations, attrition, and early retirements. Thousands more have been terminated under reduction-in-force mandates, marking the largest single-year decline in civilian federal employment since World War II. Federal workers accepting deferred resignation offers requested anonymity to protect future career prospects.