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Over 15,000 USDA Workers Accept Trump Administration’s Resignation Offer
More than 15,000 employees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have accepted the Trump administration’s offer to resign, signaling a major shakeup at the agency. According to POLITICO, the departures will have a wide-ranging impact on USDA programs, from food safety and nutrition to research and agricultural services.
While only about 3,877 employees participated in the first round of deferred resignations earlier this year, a second wave saw 11,305 more sign up. The program, which allows workers to leave while still receiving pay through September, could result in even more resignations. USDA spokesperson Seth Christensen confirmed these numbers, emphasizing that Secretary Rollins is focused on making the department more efficient and prioritizing the needs of farmers, ranchers, and producers.
The resignation figures represent about 15% of the USDA’s workforce, and the department may soon cut up to 30,000 jobs as part of broader cost-cutting measures. Many employees have cited a climate of surveillance and fear, making it difficult to continue under these conditions. Notably, key USDA programs were not spared from these cuts. For instance, 555 employees from the Food Safety and Inspection Service, which handles meat inspections, will leave. Additionally, staff from the U.S. Forest Service, which faces budget cuts and a shift in wildfire responsibilities, took one of the hardest hits, with over 4,000 resignations.
Though the USDA is experiencing a significant exodus, Rollins has requested permission to hire 53 new staff members, despite the current hiring freeze. The department’s workforce reductions are seen as a challenge, especially with the loss of experienced personnel who will be difficult to replace.
MarsLink News: Source: POLITICO
