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DHS Offers Voluntary Workforce Transition Program With $25,000 Buyout Option

Employees have until April 14 to decide among early retirement, deferred resignation, or a lump-sum payment, as part of a federal downsizing initiative exempting mission-critical roles.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is recognized as President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem offered buyouts to employees at the agencies under her control.
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Overview

  • DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced a Workforce Transition Program offering employees three options: deferred resignation, early retirement, or a $25,000 lump-sum buyout.
  • The program aims to align DHS staffing with evolving priorities while maintaining operational readiness, with most departures expected by the end of fiscal year 2025.
  • Law enforcement officials, deemed essential to mission-critical operations, are excluded from the voluntary transition offers.
  • The initiative is part of broader federal workforce reductions under the Trump administration, targeting agencies like FEMA, ICE, and CISA for downsizing.
  • If insufficient employees opt into the program, DHS may resort to issuing reduction-in-force notices to meet staffing reduction goals.