Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump announced that federal workers would have the opportunity to resign in exchange for a severance package.

In a development which is sure to leave Trump smiling, thousands of those who worked at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have decided to quit. 

Roughly 15,000 USDA staffer have left since January

That's according to a report published by Politico this past weekend, which stated that roughly 15,000 staff members have left the USDA.

The website explained that 3,877 individuals departed shortly after the buyout offer was unveiled in January while another 11,305 have agreed to leave since.

Under the terms of Trump's offer, federal workers are free to leave their jobs immediately while still collecting a paycheck until September.

Politico pointed out that the resignations amount to approximately 15% of the USDA's total workforce, and more employees are expected to leave soon.

USDA spokesman says entity is seeking to become "more effective and efficient"

The publication also noted that the White House is looking to eliminate another 30,000 jobs through its reduction-in-force plans.

For his part, USDA spokesperson Seth Christensen welcomed the departures in a statement that also praised Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

More than 15,000 USDA employees take Trump's offer to resign https://t.co/f7Op8BdPAg

— POLITICO (@politico) May 3, 2025

"President Biden and Secretary Vilsack left USDA in complete disarray, including hiring thousands of employees with no sustainable way to pay them," Christensen was quoted as saying.

"Secretary Rollins is working to reorient the department to be more effective and efficient at serving the American people, including by prioritizing farmers, ranchers, and producers," he continued before adding, "She will not compromise the critical work of the Department."

Rollins threatens to block import of Mexican cattle due to flesh-eating fly crisis

Mass resignations were not the only reason why the USDA has made headlines in recent days, as Secretary Rollins threatened to block the importation of Mexican cattle late last month.

As Fox News reported, that threat was made in response to a flesh-eating fly crisis which is currently afflicting the Mexican beef industry.

"I must inform you that if these issues are not resolved by Wednesday, April 30, USDA will restrict the importation of animal commodities, which consist of live cattle, bison, and equine originating from or transporting to Mexico to protect the interest of the agriculture industry in the United States," she wrote in a letter to Mexico's ambassador in Washington, D.C.