A memorandum from the General Services Administration warned staff that layoffs across the federal government were "likely" if not enough workers took advantage of an offer to resign with deferred payments.
According to an email obtained by The Washington Post and confirmed by CNN, many of the government's 2.3 million workers could lose their jobs under the new Trump administration.
"Please know that I empathize with the tough decisions you each are having to make," the GSA's Erv Koehler wrote in the email. "Please focus on making the best decision for you and your particular situation."
Koehler revealed that the Federal Acquisition Service, where he serves as assistant commissioner, had been asked to cut staffing by 50%.
According to the Post, the GSA last laid off employees during the Reagan administration, when it shed 800 of its 11,500 jobs. Allies of billionaire Elon Musk were said to now be running the GSA. Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency had a lead role in plans to slash the government's workforce.
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Axios reported on Tuesday that at least 20,000 employees had taken advantage of a "buyout" offer, which would pay employees through Sept. 30 if they resigned by Feb. 6.
"Critics argue the offer is illegal, there's no real guarantee people will get paid out, and it's something Congress would need to authorize," Axios noted.