The Trump administration has offered nearly all federal employees the opportunity to resign with a severance package equivalent to about eight months of salary and benefits. This “deferred resignation” program allows federal workers to resign by February 6 while retaining full pay and benefits through September 30, 2025. The administration anticipates that 5-10% of federal employees may accept the offer, potentially resulting in savings of approximately $100 billion.
This initiative is allegedly part of President Trump’s broader effort to reform and reduce the size of the federal government, but is there something else? Is there a hidden agenda?
Many would surmise Trump ultimately wants to create a government of loyalists in order to consolidate power and reshape the federal government according to his vision.
This hidden agenda includes several key elements:
- Purging perceived opponents: Trump is actively removing officials he views as disloyal or part of the “deep state.” This includes firing inspectors general, career civil servants, and even revoking security clearances of former officials who have criticized him.
- Installing MAGA loyalists: The administration is conducting intense loyalty tests and “MAGA checks” for job applicants, prioritizing allegiance to Trump over qualifications or expertise. This extends to all levels of government, from top positions to career civil servants.
- Centralizing executive power: Trump aims to consolidate unchecked presidential authority by gutting checks and balances, politicizing law enforcement agencies like the DOJ and FBI, and asserting control over independent agencies.
- Implementing Project 2025 agenda: Despite publicly distancing himself, many of Trump’s actions align with the controversial Project 2025 blueprint, which outlines sweeping changes to government structure and policies.
- Weaponizing government agencies: There are plans to use federal agencies to target political opponents, investigate perceived enemies, and enforce Trump’s agenda.
- Reshaping federal workforce: Trump has revived the Schedule F executive order, making it easier to fire federal employees and replace them with political appointees.
- Preparing for swift policy changes: The administration is developing a “First 180 Days Playbook” to rapidly implement controversial policies without waiting for congressional approval.
This hidden agenda appears designed to create a government apparatus that is unquestioningly loyal to Trump, allowing him to wield unprecedented executive power and implement his policies with minimal resistance or oversight.
Trump stated during his campaign that he would be a dictator “only on day one” to address border security and energy policy. However, his actions and statements have raised concerns about potential authoritarian tendencies. Some experts view his extensive policy plans and executive actions as an expansion of executive power that could challenge democratic norms.