33-year-old federal worker takes Trump's buyout offer, resigns from Veterans Affairs: 'You have to do what's best for your family'

Chonda Loder, a 33-year-old federal worker, has resigned from her position at the Veterans Affairs department after accepting President Donald Trump's buyout offer. The offer, known as the "deferred resignation program," was extended to over 2 million federal employees in late January, giving them until February 6 to decide whether to resign and receive eight months of pay and benefits. Loder, a purchasing agent with the VA, decided to take the offer to prioritize her family's needs.

"I have two young girls, a kindergartener and a 1-year-old," Loder told CNBC Make It. "I telework from my home outside Bowling Green, Kentucky, and live 90 miles from my nearest physical office. It's just not feasible for me to commute that far with two young children."

Loder's decision comes amidst a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape the federal workforce, including reducing its size, replacing career workers with political appointees, and ending diversity efforts. The buyout offer has been criticized by federal workers' unions, who argue that it is not a buyout and that the administration might not be able to follow through on its promises.



Despite the uncertainty surrounding the offer's legality and the future of her job, Loder felt that she had to prioritize her family's needs. "It was the security for me," she said. "But it's a roller coaster right now. I don't know if I'm going to have a job next week, next month, or next year."

Loder's decision to resign has raised concerns about the potential impact on the quality of care provided by the Veterans Affairs department. As a purchasing agent, Loder played a crucial role in ensuring that the VA had the necessary supplies and equipment to provide care to veterans. Her resignation could lead to disruptions in the supply chain, delays in procurement, and ultimately, a decrease in the quality of care provided to veterans.

To mitigate any negative effects, the VA could take several steps, such as cross-training employees, implementing a mentorship program, investing in technology, providing competitive compensation and benefits, and fostering a positive work environment. These steps could help to ensure that the knowledge and expertise of departing employees are not lost and that new employees can hit the ground running.



The broader implications of Trump's buyout offer for the federal workforce are significant. The offer has caused confusion, anger, and mistrust among federal employees, eroding their morale and trust in the government. The lack of clarity and uncertainty about the offer's legality and the future of their jobs have negatively impacted employee morale and may deter potential recruits from joining the federal government in the future.

The administration's actions may also lead to a more politicized and less experienced federal workforce, as career civil servants are replaced by political appointees. This could have implications for the nonpartisan nature of the federal government and its ability to serve the American people effectively. Additionally, the buyout offer may have implications for the federal government's ability to respond to crises and emergencies, as experienced employees leave the workforce and are replaced by less experienced individuals.

In conclusion, Chonda Loder's decision to resign from the Veterans Affairs department after accepting Trump's buyout offer highlights the challenges faced by federal workers in balancing their personal and professional lives. The offer has raised concerns about the potential impact on the quality of care provided by the VA and the broader implications for the federal workforce. To mitigate any negative effects, the VA and the federal government as a whole must take steps to ensure the continuity of operations and the retention of talented employees.