The Trump administration has excluded federal employees in public safety positions, such as air traffic controllers, from a financial incentive scheme promoting resignations. The "deferred resignation program" allows federal workers to remain on the payroll until September 30 without working, but this does not apply to those in the aforementioned positions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that air traffic controllers and inspectors are exempt, emphasizing the critical need for their roles due to staffing shortages. This decision aims to maintain essential safety operations amid broader government restructuring efforts.
See "Trump administration exempts safety workers, air traffic controllers from resignation offer", David Shepardson, Reuters, February 3, 2025