Trump administration targets probationary federal employees for potential layoffs

The Trump administration is targeting federal employees to reduce costs, with probationary employees likely facing layoffs first. A buyout offer includes eight months of severance for voluntary resignations. Probationary employees are those recently hired or moved to new positions, typically undergoing a one to two-year trial period. They can be dismissed more easily than tenured employees, but still receive a termination notice. Recent layoffs have occurred at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Office of Personnel Management, affecting probationary workers. The American Federation of Government Employees is exploring options to contest these layoffs.