Post Reports: The Government is Paying 154,000 People Not to Work Released August 4, 2025

Hosts: Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi
Reporter: Colby Ekowitz
Contributing Reporter: Meryl Kornfield

Introduction

In the August 4, 2025 episode of Post Reports, The Washington Post delves into a controversial federal government program that is currently paying 154,000 employees to cease working. Hosted by Colby Ekowitz, the episode features in-depth reporting by Meryl Kornfield, shedding light on the intricacies and implications of this deferred resignation initiative under the second Trump administration.

Background: The Deferred Resignation Program

The episode begins by introducing listeners to the case of Brian Griffin (00:33), a 63-year-old Department of Agriculture inspector who dedicated nearly three decades to his role. With the onset of the second Trump administration, significant efforts were made to reduce the federal workforce. This included the introduction of a deferred resignation program, which essentially allowed employees to resign voluntarily while continuing to receive their salaries for an extended period.

Brian Griffin explains his transition:
"When I first started, I was an inspector for orange juice in the state of Florida. And it evolved over the years. I moved around to other locations and inspected different commodities." (00:37)

Uncovering the 154,000 Figure

Meryl Kornfield reveals the groundbreaking discovery of 154,000 federal employees being paid while not actively working (03:07). This figure was uncovered through diligent investigation, including anonymous sources within the Office of Personnel Management and persistent inquiries to various federal agencies.

Meryl Kornfield states:
"This is a number that has not been previously reported... we learned in 14 agencies, 105,000 people got this buyout program." (04:35)

The report highlights that this number is likely an undercount, as it does not include employees on administrative leave or those involuntarily removed from their positions.

Financial Implications

The financial burden of this program is substantial. While exact figures remain undisclosed, estimates suggest that the cost could reach billions of dollars. Democratic members of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations have projected that the program could cost approximately $14.8 billion, based on an estimated 200,000 workers receiving buyouts (07:14).

Meryl Kornfield comments on the financial aspect:
"With an average federal salary... they are still getting paid, they're still getting paid the same salary, same benefits accruing... except they're just not doing their work." (08:05)

Despite promises of long-term savings, current federal spending has slightly increased, contradicting the administration's claims of efficiency and cost-cutting.

Trump Administration's Response

The Trump administration defends the program by asserting that reducing the size of the federal workforce will lead to long-term savings and increased government efficiency (08:14).

Administration's Stance:
"In the long term, they are shrinking the size of government... these workers... should have not been hired, and that this will now reduce the count of workers in the long term."

However, critics argue that these immediate costs undermine the administration's claims of fiscal responsibility.

Criticisms of the Deferred Resignation Program

Critics label the program as poorly strategized and rushed, leading to inefficiencies and unintended consequences. The rapid reduction has resulted in vital government functions being neglected, such as food safety inspections, while employees continue to draw salaries without performing their duties.

Meryl Kornfield highlights:**
"Because these workers that were on the payroll last year are still on the payroll... they're getting paid the same salary... except they're just not doing what they, you know, things like checking to make sure if our food is safe." (11:33)

Additionally, the lack of a structured plan has forced the administration to rehire some employees, further complicating the workforce dynamics.

Impact on Federal Workers

The program's impact on employees is mixed. Some individuals, like Brian Griffin, welcome the opportunity to retire early and pursue personal interests without the constraints of federal employment (01:55).

Brian Griffin shares his perspective:
"You certainly can't complain. It's like a weekend... I do your typical retired stuff, put it around the house, yard work, things like that. It's a perfect environment out here for that. So no problem." (01:55)

Conversely, others experience emotional and psychological distress. Long-serving employees find their work identities disrupted, leading to feelings of depression and loss of purpose.

A Federal Employee expresses:
"For her, it doesn't feel that way. She's been doing some self care... but most of her days she says that she's depressed, that sometimes she wonders why she's getting out." (13:17)

Future Reporting and Ongoing Investigations

Meryl Kornfield indicates ongoing efforts to quantify the total cost of the program and understand its broader implications on government operations and public services (14:43). Questions remain about the long-term effectiveness of such workforce reductions and the sustainability of paying employees who are not actively contributing.

Conclusion

The episode concludes by emphasizing the need for transparency and comprehensive analysis of the deferred resignation program. As the Trump administration continues its push to minimize the federal workforce, the long-term consequences on government efficiency and taxpayer funds remain a critical concern.

Colby Ekowitz wraps up:
"Dial it into a more fortunate position because now he'll be getting a new salary, his wife can take some time off, and he's enjoying life all while the government is still paying him." (12:59)

Production Credits:
Produced by Peter Bresnan, mixed by Shawn Carter, edited by Maggie Penman, with contributions from Dan Egan, Hannah Natenson, and Laura Meckler.

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