Trump Takes Bold Steps to Transform Federal Workforce and Limit Healthcare Access for Trans Youth

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has initiated a controversial plan offering to buy out a significant portion of the federal workforce, alongside a new directive targeting medical options for transgender minors and some adults.

On Tuesday evening, millions of government employees received an email instructing them to respond with “resign” by February 6, facilitating a “dignified, fair departure” that promises full pay and benefits until September 2025, with options for remote work.

Notably, this offer excludes military personnel, U.S. Postal Service workers, and those in roles pertaining to immigration enforcement and national security.

According to a verified email copy, employees who prefer to stay in the “reformed federal workforce” must return to the office five days a week. They will also be expected to demonstrate reliability and loyalty. Those violating laws or engaging in misconduct are warned of disciplinary actions, including termination.

The unsigned memo further stipulates that while some agencies may expand, others are expected to downsize. It emphasizes uncertainty regarding job stability, assuring those affected will receive due protections.

Union representatives quickly criticized the offer. Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia stated that Trump lacks the authority to make such a proposal. The American Federation of Government Employees, representing approximately 800,000 federal employees, advised members not to rush into resigning until receiving further clarification.

Union President Everett Kelley expressed concerns that purging government workers would lead to chaos, severely impacting those who rely on government services. He argued that the administration appears to be creating a hostile environment for federal employees, pushing them out.

Simultaneously, Trump enacted a directive aimed at restricting treatment options for transgender individuals under 19. This decision follows previous actions, including a ban on open transgender service in the military and a declaration limiting gender recognition to male and female only.

Under the new order, federal funding for any procedures related to gender transition for minors is prohibited. Federal health agency heads are tasked with withdrawing research and educational grants from institutions that offer hormone treatments or gender transition surgeries to patients under 19.

The directive also instructs the incoming attorney general to collaborate with Congress on legislation aimed at enabling legal action for families whose children experience harm from prescribed hormone treatments.

Moreover, it emphasizes the Department of Justice’s role in investigating cases of female genital mutilation, reinforcing federal protection against such practices.

The order further stipulates that neither Medicare nor Medicaid will cover hormone therapies or surgical procedures for individuals under 19. Federal employee insurance benefits will also not extend coverage for these treatments.

Additionally, the directive prohibits coverage for transgender children of U.S. service members, aligning with provisions in recent congressional defense appropriations.

The executive order, titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” mandates that the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., publish a review within three months on promoting health for children expressing gender dysphoria. However, it derogatorily dismisses guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health as “junk science.”

Last updated 2:15 p.m., Jan. 29, 2025