Trump's downsizing continues with offers for early retirements, buyouts at weather agency [View all]

Source: USA Today

Published 4:04 p.m. ET March 20, 2025 | Updated 5:13 p.m. ET March 20, 2025


A major weather forecasting and scientific research agency is offering buyouts and early retirement to employees, according to a memo obtained by USA TODAY, the Trump administration's latest step in reducing the size of the federal workforce.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration told employees Thursday that most could take a voluntary separation incentive payment, or they could take early retirement if they are age 50 with 20 years of service or any age with at least 25 years of service.

The offer is separate from the Trump administration's deferred resignation efforts, called "Fork in the Road", which allowed employees to resign their jobs but get paid through the end of September, and any firings of probationary employees. USA TODAY has reached out to NOAA for comment.

Agencies can offer buyouts of up to $25,000 as part of reductions in force. The Education Department had more than 300 people accept the same type of buyout as part of its overall plan to slash the workforce.

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/03/20/noaa-offers-buyouts-early-retirement/82573145007/