The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email out late last month in which it gave federal employees the chance to get paid until September 30 if they left their jobs by February 6.

While a federal judge quickly moved to block that deadline, he recently handed Trump a victory by backing down. 

Judge rules that unions lack standing to sue

According to the Daily Caller, U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. imposed the order at the behest of labor unions who argued that Trump's buyout offer was unlawful.

Yet in a decision handed down on Wednesday, O’Toole concluded that the unions lacked standing to file a challenge, stating, "The plaintiffs here are not directly impacted by the directive."

"Instead, they allege that the directive subjects them to upstream effects including a diversion of resources to answer members’ questions about the directive, a potential loss of membership, and possible reputational harm," he wrote.

"The unions do not have the required direct stake in the Fork Directive, but are challenging a policy that affects others, specifically executive branch employees," the judge went on to add.

Federal layoffs expected to come

The Daily Caller noted how in addition to offering workers a chance to continue getting paid until the end of September if they resigned, the OPM's email also cautioned that layoffs could be coming in the near future.

"If you choose to remain in your current position, we thank you for your renewed focus on serving the American people to the best of your abilities and look forward to working together as part of an improved federal workforce," the email stated.

"At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency, but should your position be eliminated you will be treated with dignity and will be afforded the protections in place for such positions," it added.

Meanwhile, the Daily Caller reported on February 5 that the CIA is offering a buyout offer of its own to the agency's entire workforce.

CIA is imposing a hiring freeze

What's more, the CIA is also implementing a hiring freeze and is expected to rescind job offers made to those who lack the requisite skills.

"Director Ratcliffe is moving swiftly to ensure the CIA workforce is responsive to the Administration’s national security priorities," a CIA spokesperson told the Daily Caller.

FOX NEWS ALERT: The @CIA has reportedly just offered a buyout to its entire workforce. pic.twitter.com/AoNSYdnaQJ

— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) February 5, 2025

"These moves are part of a holistic strategy to infuse the Agency with renewed energy, provide opportunities for rising leaders to emerge, and better position the CIA to deliver on its mission," spokesperson added.