The U.S. Department of Education will send department-wide emails on Friday, voluntarily resigning or resigning or giving up to retirement of up to $25,000.
The email obtained by the Guardian said “this is a one-off offer for the U.S. Department of Education ahead of a very significant power cut,” giving employees to accept it until the end of Monday.
According to an employee of the Ministry of Education, the email was sent, withdrawn and sent back to the employee.
“This is beyond operational and misleading,” argued the worker who demanded that he remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. “Also, if you leave voluntarily, you will not qualify for unemployment.”
They said retirement and unused leave coverage would be received through reduced mandatory orders. However, with the acquisition offer they will only receive a smaller amount. They provided the Guardians with copies of their interests.
Another Department of Education employee confirmed the claim, adding, “You’ll get $25,000, but if you think your retirement is $15,000, you’ll get $15,000.”
It also includes a provision that if an employee is hired or contracted with the federal government over the next five years, the employee must repay the acquisition, according to a copy of the voluntary separation incentive payment.
“Under the power cut, you have more rights to re-employment and unemployment,” the second employee pointed out.
The application also states, “My decision is completely voluntary. I am not forced.”
The Department of Education and the White House have been asked to comment.
Earlier this month, reports emerged that the White House had prepared an executive order to abolish the U.S. Department of Education.
Dozens of Education Department employees were placed on administrative leave earlier this month in response to Donald Trump’s anti-DEI order. At least 39 probation employees were also fired, and the $900 million research funding was cancelled by Elon Musk’s so-called “government efficiency.”
Trump’s Education Secretary Linda McMahon said she “heart-heartedly” agreed to Trump’s plans to dismantle the department as the final Senate confirmation vote is scheduled for Monday.
