Joyce Vance Warns Trump’s Federal Buyout Plan Could Backfire as Workers ‘Hold the Line’

Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance has issued a stark warning that President Donald Trump’s proposed buyout offer for all federal employees could ultimately work against him, strengthening resistance within the civil service rather than dismantling it.

In her Civil Discourse email newsletter, Vance argued that Trump has effectively “summoned the sleeping giant” of the federal workforce with his controversial proposal. Critics have raised doubts over the plan’s feasibility, but Vance suggests it is already producing unintended consequences.

Rather than prompting mass resignations, the buyout offer appears to have galvanized some federal employees to stay in their positions longer—motivated by a desire to counter Trump’s influence from within.

“On Reddit last night, it was clear that a sizeable number of federal employees are digging in for the fight,” Vance wrote, referencing online discussions among civil servants. She further contended that Trump’s long-standing claims of a so-called “deep state” working against him in government could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

“Donald Trump has always fantasized about a deep state inside of government that opposes him, something that didn’t exist,” she stated. “Now, he is well on the way to creating one. It turns out federal employees take their oath, their job, and their duty to serve very seriously.”

The buyout plan, which offers financial incentives for federal employees to voluntarily resign, has been met with skepticism from lawmakers and legal experts, with many questioning its legality and potential impact on government operations.

Despite Trump’s claims that the plan will streamline government and rid agencies of resistance to his policies, Vance’s analysis suggests it could have the opposite effect—energizing civil servants who see themselves as protectors of government integrity.

The move also raises concerns about continuity in essential government services, as an exodus of experienced personnel could create disruptions across multiple agencies. However, with some federal employees now reportedly doubling down on their commitment to remain in their roles, the buyout’s effectiveness in reshaping the government according to Trump’s vision remains uncertain.

As legal experts and political analysts continue to debate the implications, the response from federal workers could determine whether the policy weakens or reinforces resistance within government ranks. With Trump pushing for significant restructuring of the federal workforce, the coming months may reveal whether his plan achieves its intended goal—or backfires entirely.