The Apprentice Season 2 - The Second Presidency of Donald Trump

[El Guapo]

Here it is, entitled "Fork in the Road":

During the first week of his administration, President Trump issued a number of directives concerning the federal workforce. Among those directives, the President required that employees return to in-person work, restored accountability for employees who have policy-making authority, restored accountability for senior career executives, and reformed the federal hiring process to focus on merit. As a result of the above orders, the reform of the federal workforce will be significant.

The reformed federal workforce will be built around four pillars:
1) Return to Office: The substantial majority of federal employees who have been working remotely since Covid will be required to return to their physical offices five days a week. Going forward, we also expect our physical offices to undergo meaningful consolidation and divestitures, potentially resulting in physical office relocations for a number of federal workers.
2) Performance culture: The federal workforce should be comprised of the best America has to offer. We will insist on excellence at every level — our performance standards will be updated to reward and promote those that exceed expectations and address in a fair and open way those who do not meet the high standards which the taxpayers of this country have a right to demand.
3) More streamlined and flexible workforce: While a few agencies and even branches of the military are likely to see increases in the size of their workforce, the majority of federal agencies are likely to be downsized through restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force. These actions are likely to include the use of furloughs and the reclassification to at-will status for a substantial number of federal employees.
4) Enhanced standards of conduct: The federal workforce should be comprised of employees who are reliable, loyal, trustworthy, and who strive for excellence in their daily work. Employees will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward. Employees who engage in unlawful behavior or other misconduct will be prioritized for appropriate investigation and discipline, including termination.

Each of the pillars outlined above will be pursued in accordance with applicable law, consistent with your agency's policies, and to the extent permitted under relevant collective-bargaining agreements.

If you choose to remain in your current position, we thank you for your renewed focus on serving the American people to the best of your abilities and look forward to working together as part of an improved federal workforce. At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency but should your position be eliminated you will be treated with dignity and will be afforded the protections in place for such positions.

If you choose not to continue in your current role in the federal workforce, we thank you for your service to your country and you will be provided with a dignified, fair departure from the federal government utilizing a deferred resignation program. This program begins effective January 28 and is available to all federal employees until February 6. If you resign under this program, you will retain all pay and benefits regardless of your daily workload and will be exempted from all applicable in-person work requirements until September 30, 2025 (or earlier if you choose to accelerate your resignation for any reason). The details of this separation plan can be found below.

Whichever path you choose, we thank you for your service to The United States of America.
*********************************************************************

Upon review of the below deferred resignation letter, if you wish to resign:
1) Select “Reply” to this email. You must reply from your government account. A reply from an account other than your government account will not be accepted.
2) Type the word “Resign” into the body of this reply email. Hit “Send”.


THE LAST DAY TO ACCEPT THE DEFERRED RESIGNATION PROGRAM IS FEBRUARY 6, 2025.

Deferred resignation is available to all full-time federal employees except for military personnel of the armed forces, employees of the U.S. Postal Service, those in positions related to immigration enforcement and national security, and those in any other positions specifically excluded by your employing agency.
DEFERRED RESIGNATION LETTER
January 28, 2025
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from employment with my employing agency, effective September 30, 2025. I understand that I have the right to accelerate, but not extend, my resignation date if I wish to take advantage of the deferred resignation program. I also understand that if I am (or become) eligible for early or normal retirement before my resignation date, that I retain the right to elect early or normal retirement (once eligible) at any point prior to my resignation date.
Given my impending resignation, I understand I will be exempt from any “Return to Office” requirements pursuant to recent directives and that I will maintain my current compensation and retain all existing benefits (including but not limited to retirement accruals) until my final resignation date.
I am certain of my decision to resign and my choice to resign is fully voluntary. I understand my employing agency will likely make adjustments in response to my resignation including moving, eliminating, consolidating, reassigning my position and tasks, reducing my official duties, and/or placing me on paid administrative leave until my resignation date.
I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my remaining time at my employing agency. Accordingly, I will assist my employing agency with completing reasonable and customary tasks and processes to facilitate my departure.
I understand that my acceptance of this offer will be sent to the Office of Personnel Management (“OPM”) which will then share it with my agency employer. I hereby consent to OPM receiving, reviewing, and forwarding my acceptance.
*********************************************************************
Upon submission of your resignation, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your email. Any replies to this email shall be for the exclusive use of accepting the deferred resignation letter. Any other replies to this email will not be reviewed, forwarded, or retained other than as required by applicable federal records laws.
Once your resignation is validly sent and received, the human resources department of your employing agency will contact you to complete additional documentation, if any.
OPM is authorized to send this email under Executive Order 9830 and 5 U.S.C. §§ 301, 1103, 1104, 2951, 3301, 6504, 8347, and 8461. OPM intends to use your response to assist in federal workforce reorganization efforts in conjunction with employing agencies. See 88 Fed. Reg. 56058; 80 Fed. Reg. 72455 (listing routine uses). Response to this email is voluntary. Although you must respond to take advantage of the deferred resignation offer, there is no penalty for nonresponse.

[IceBear]

Seeing comments about increase in military size is a little scary right now

[RunningMn9]

Deferred resignation? So they know they're no longer employed, know that it's because their employer screwed them - possibly out of a career - and yet they still have full access to sensitive data?

What could go wrong?

As noted in the updated guidance, civilians who elect to resign are placed on administrative leave immediately with all duties reassigned. Unless your agency makes you work to transition your duties.

[RunningMn9]

It’s been six days. SIX. DAYS. I have never been so exhausted. Which I suppose is the point.

[raydude]

Deferred resignation? So they know they're no longer employed, know that it's because their employer screwed them - possibly out of a career - and yet they still have full access to sensitive data?

What could go wrong?

As noted in the updated guidance, civilians who elect to resign are placed on administrative leave immediately with all duties reassigned. Unless your agency makes you work to transition your duties.

This is Trump we’re talking about. Why would anyone believe he’s going to pay their salary just for resigning early?

[Smoove_B]

Here it is, entitled "Fork in the Road":

Again, I wouldn't touch this offer with a 10' pole. You want me gone? Come at me. Until then, I'm staying right where I am. If you are hard-wired for the public sector and have been serving long enough, you can endure anything.

I do not believe they're going to honor any of this and will do everything they can to undermine whatever arrangement is put in place.

All that said, I get that people have to do whatever makes sense for them and their families, so I make no judgements.

[El Guapo]

Here it is, entitled "Fork in the Road":

Again, I wouldn't touch this offer with a 10' pole. You want me gone? Come at me. Until then, I'm staying right where I am. If you are hard-wired for the public sector and have been serving long enough, you can endure anything.

I do not believe they're going to honor any of this and will do everything they can to undermine whatever arrangement is put in place.

All that said, I get that people have to do whatever makes sense for them and their families, so I make no judgements.

Yeah, there is no chance that I touch this. But this is also something of a warning shot, especially what with the messages on 'we expect most agencies to have a reduction in force'. So you figure many (most?) employees are at least going to put some job feelers out, because you never know when this is going to become compulsory.

I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.

[waitingtoconnect]

Deferred resignation? So they know they're no longer employed, know that it's because their employer screwed them - possibly out of a career - and yet they still have full access to sensitive data?

What could go wrong?

As noted in the updated guidance, civilians who elect to resign are placed on administrative leave immediately with all duties reassigned. Unless your agency makes you work to transition your duties.

This is Trump we’re talking about. Why would anyone believe he’s going to pay their salary just for resigning early?

People would do well to be sceptical .

The idea is that rational people will take it, but believers – who look forward to working with Trump – will stay.

You shouldn't be surprised, Musk performed the same “generosity” with Twitter and for the same reason.

In some cases people didn’t get their full payout at Twitter by just taking their initial offer. So these workers need to be careful especially if it may hit any pension entitlements.

https://www.businessinsider.com/twitter ... 023-7?op=1

At a twitter, the separation agreement musk gave did not include year-end bonuses, cash contribution for healthcare continuation, additional severance based on tenure, or the cash value of restricted stock units that typically vested every quarter as per people’s contracts. So people lost out big time in some cases.

As other's have mentioned the government is not funded past March and it will be hell getting a budget passed at this rate, don't trust anything they promise you.

Further payments after the first offer were less generous though if they occurred at all though. So people need to be aware of this.

[Kraken]

It’s been six days. SIX. DAYS. I have never been so exhausted. Which I suppose is the point.

Hey, it took Hitler 53 days to dismantle the German republic. Trump's got a shot at beating that.

Honestly, he's done more damage in a week than I expected to see in a year.

[Kurth]

If this isn't a legitimate Constitutional crisis unfolding, then I don't understand what's happening.

I’d say the Constitutional crisis has been unfolding in slow motion for the last 4 years. The real Constitutional crisis happened when this traitor attempted a coup on 1/6, refusing to respect the peaceful transfer of power, and just a few weeks later, our elected leaders - sworn to protect and defend the Constitution - responded with a shrug.

Game over.

We’re just watching the aftermath now.

[YellowKing]

Yeah I've been beyond disappointed at what feels like everyone just capitulating to fascism. Democratic leadership has been beyond useless beyond an occasional strongly worded tweet. And half of them are sitting there voting for Trump's cabinet picks. FML.

[Zaxxon]

If this isn't a legitimate Constitutional crisis unfolding, then I don't understand what's happening.

I’d say the Constitutional crisis has been unfolding in slow motion for the last 4 years. The real Constitutional crisis happened when this traitor attempted a coup on 1/6, refusing to respect the peaceful transfer of power, and just a few weeks later, our elected leaders - sworn to protect and defend the Constitution - responded with a shrug.

Game over.

We’re just watching the aftermath now.

Yes. Remember ‘we’re fucked?’ That was the time to freak out. We’re just in the endgame now.

[Smoove_B]

I can't refute any of that. I guess I was just kinda hoping (I know, I know) that maybe there was a recognition of the failures before so when the challenges emerged this time, there would be some resistance? Like...even a tiny amount? I'm astounded that he's dismantling government, cutting off funding and there are people in Congress that are going to wag their finger but still vote to approve RFK Jr. tomorrow. Like...what the fuck are you even doing? I thought I read elsewhere that Pelosi was aiming to "form a committee" about what's happening. Either we're all crazy and overreacting or they're delusional.

[waitingtoconnect]

My take is all the maga republicans want to keep their seats so they are waving everything through. After eight years they are all maga.

With a few exceptions trump and maga have been incredibly successful at capturing the billionaire class. All media as a result lobbied for trump or enabled him. Even Jon Stewart is saying don’t worry it’s not that bad now., and if it’s anyone’s fault, it’s the democrats fault.

So democrats or people who do speak out are being relegated to appearing on fringe shows like you tube influencers.

Like in Weimar Germany now trump has their billlonaire sponsors a considerable number of democrats are in on it as well or sympathise enough with Maga they’ll switch sides.

[Enough]

Stop work orders are rolling in tonight, even with the stay. NSF and USFS projects on hold in addition to the aforementioned canceled 5-year BLM project.

I was thinking about it earlier. If you wanted to hire someone to trash American hegemony, destroy the dollar and generally the USA, if you interviewed everyone on the planet, you would be hard-pressed to find a better candidate to do the job than drumpf. I am starting to realize once that ball got rolling and everyone who wants that saw the potential it just propelled him forward. Everyone from Christian accelerationists to crypto bros and our enemies are likely amazed that this historic gift/grift fell into their laps.

[El Guapo]

Our union sent out a message to all its members with the all caps header "DO NOT SIGN THE DEFERRED RESIGNATION AGREEMENT."

[LawBeefaroni]

Musk's filth is all over this OPM stuff:

Amanda Scales is, as has been reported, the new chief of staff at the OPM. She formerly worked in talent for xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence company, according to her LinkedIn.
...

Sources say that Riccardo Biasini, formerly an engineer at Tesla and most recently director of operations for the Las Vegas Loop at the Boring Company, Musk’s tunnel-building operation, is also at the OPM as a senior adviser to the director. (Steve Davis, the CEO of the Boring Company, is rumored to be advising Musk on cuts to be made via DOGE and was integral in Musk’s gutting of Twitter, now X, after his takeover of the company in 2022.)

...

According to the same sources, other people at the top of the new OPM food chain include two people with apparent software engineering backgrounds, whom WIRED is not naming because of their ages. One, a senior adviser to the director, is a 21-year-old whose online résumé touts his work for Palantir, the government contractor and analytics firm cofounded by billionaire Peter Thiel, who is its chair. (The former CEO of PayPal and a longtime Musk associate, Thiel is a Trump supporter who helped bankroll the 2022 Senate campaign of his protégé, Vice President JD Vance.) The other, who reports directly to Scales, graduated from high school in 2024, according to a mirrored copy of an online résumé and his high school’s student magazine; he lists jobs as a camp counselor and a bicycle mechanic among his professional experiences, as well as a summer role at Neuralink, Musk’s brain-computer interface company.

Also, name them. They're over 18 and working in non-classified roles for the federal government.


So these are the operational people carrying out the purges. Twitter was just a dry run for his government takeover. Doesn't matter if you destroy half the value as long as you make it yours.

[LawBeefaroni]

Here it is, entitled "Fork in the Road":
...

For what it's worth, they put it on the OPM site.


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[LawBeefaroni]

Aaand one more.

Jan 29 (Reuters) - Truth Social parent Trump Media and Technology Group (DJT.O), said on Wednesday its board of directors has approved the launch of a financial services and FinTech brand Truth.Fi, sending shares of the firm up over 11% in early trading.

The company board has also authorized an investment of up to $250 million through Charles Schwab as it seeks to diversify its cash holdings, which exceeded $700 million at the close of the previous year.

The Sarasota, Florida-based company said it plans to allocate these funds into various investment options, including exchange-traded funds, separately managed accounts (SMAs), Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies.

Truth.fi is currently a parked domain. I reckon this is the most dangerous clownshow in history.

[Smoove_B]

I was thinking about all this at 3am (while trying to relax in preparation of RFK Jr's confirmation today) and while the tactics over the last week have been "shock and awe", I'm not entirely convinced they're (1) well thought out or (2) prepared for the long haul. To be clear, they could still be effective in completely dismantling the underpinnings of our society, but my gut is telling me if we can somehow collectively resist and push back, the administration's effort will peter out sooner than later.

Of course, all this hinges on judges actually functioning as agents of the justice system and not minions of Trump, but the flurry of judges that were just appointed by Biden a few months ago have to amount to something right? Then again, some of this stuff is absolutely headed to the Supreme Court, so I'd imagine we're boned there.

Anyway, it's bleak and likely to get worse but I'm still hanging on* for now.


*that ends today after RFK Jr. is confirmed

[Isgrimnur]

Truth.fi is currently a parked domain

I'm sure the Finns will love being roped into this.

[LawBeefaroni]

Everyone has a different watershed moment but at some point there needs to be a switch from rational discourse to active resistance.

[ImLawBoy]

Here it is, entitled "Fork in the Road":

Again, I wouldn't touch this offer with a 10' pole. You want me gone? Come at me. Until then, I'm staying right where I am. If you are hard-wired for the public sector and have been serving long enough, you can endure anything.

I do not believe they're going to honor any of this and will do everything they can to undermine whatever arrangement is put in place.

All that said, I get that people have to do whatever makes sense for them and their families, so I make no judgements.

Yeah, there is no chance that I touch this. But this is also something of a warning shot, especially what with the messages on 'we expect most agencies to have a reduction in force'. So you figure many (most?) employees are at least going to put some job feelers out, because you never know when this is going to become compulsory.

I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.

As I was reading the letter, my initial thought was that the first three points (Return to Office, Performance culture, and More streamlined and flexible workforce) were just government versions of what the private world deals with. Personally, I'm back to office full time next week for a business that has consolidated offices and locations, and management is always making noise about merit and meeting or exceeding expectations. While my company isn't actively increasing its military force (that I know of), it's not uncommon to get messages about upcoming force reductions - through voluntary and involuntary means. The fourth one sound like the loyalty test thing I've heard about and seems particularly ominous.

That's not to excuse any of this. Government jobs are different from private sector jobs, and for good reason. You can't just take what works (to varying degrees of success) in the private sector and port it into the government world. It's more of an observation of how they seem to be trying to privatize the public sector (plus loyalty tests and military).

[Skinypupy]

I just read three articles that all positioned this as a "buy out" for government employees. As in, employees who opt in get some sort of lump sum to separate.

As far as I can tell, that's not even close to what's actually being offered. The only thing being offered here is being given the option to work from home instead of in the office for 8 months, but they still have to work. And if they quit or take another job during that 8 months, there's not any sort of payout or severance. Correct?

[Isgrimnur]

While my company isn't actively increasing its military force (that I know of), it's not uncommon to get messages about upcoming force reductions - through voluntary and involuntary means. The fourth one sound like the loyalty test thing I've heard about and seems particularly ominous.

Can I get a referral when the HQ Dome is completed?

[Smoove_B]

Correct?

Correct.

There also seems to be some debate over what actually can be offered (financially) based on what is being proposed. Again, zero chance I'd do anything other than delete the email if it was sent to me.

[LawBeefaroni]

Correct?

Correct.

There also seems to be some debate over what actually can be offered (financially) based on what is being proposed. Again, zero chance I'd do anything other than delete the email if it was sent to me.

It's essentially an open call for resignations on a certain date. This isn't an ERP or severance package or anything remotely close. The only difference between taking the offer and just resigning normally is that you are granted 8 months of WFW protection.


"Fuck you, fire me!" is probably the appropriate response.

[Archinerd]

Stay on target

[Smoove_B]

Everything is fine.



(it's a memo indicating all activity associated with various holidays and observances will be suspended)

Wish I could believe it's fake, but nothing that's been shared over the last 72 hours would suggest it's not real.

[pr0ner]

I just read three articles that all positioned this as a "buy out" for government employees. As in, employees who opt in get some sort of lump sum to separate.

As far as I can tell, that's not even close to what's actually being offered. The only thing being offered here is being given the option to work from home instead of in the office for 8 months, but they still have to work. And if they quit or take another job during that 8 months, there's not any sort of payout or severance. Correct?

Eh, no one really knows. RM9's info isn't totally accurate based on updated FAQs. It's agency dependent but some people who take the deferred resignation will keep working, others will instantly be put on administrative leave, and some will work to close out stuff then go on admin leave.

Allegedly if you become eligible for retirement, you can take the deferred resignation, then when your retirement date hits, file paperwork and retire.

Government unions are strongly encouraging no one to accept the resignation, at least right now.

[Paingod]

...while the tactics over the last week have been "shock and awe", I'm not entirely convinced they're (1) well thought out or (2) prepared for the long haul. To be clear, they could still be effective in completely dismantling the underpinnings of our society...

From what I saw in 2016-2020, nothing these chuckle-f**ks do is designed for anything other than short-term gains with maximum disregard for the impact on anyone else. Yes, there will be specific people with specific agendas, but eventually the alignment of they objectives will fragment and so too will their cooperation with each other.

That won't make it better, but they may accidentally oppose each other.

[hepcat]

The WH just rescinded his funding freeze.

[Alefroth]

Of course, all this hinges on judges actually functioning as agents of the justice system and not minions of Trump, but the flurry of judges that were just appointed by Biden a few months ago have to amount to something right?

It would have been better if more were appointed to appeals courts, but yeah, it's something at least.

[raydude]

Everything is fine.



(it's a memo indicating all activity associated with various holidays and observances will be suspended)

Wish I could believe it's fake, but nothing that's been shared over the last 72 hours would suggest it's not real.

Okay MFkers, if that's how you want to play.

"Okay folks, we're going to have a little party in May to commend the abilities of the following people: Mai, Chun Li, Ryu, and Maui. Good job everyone."

It's a poor substitute but I feel like specifically naming folks to highlight and celebrate is one way to get around this bullshit.

[Skinypupy]

The WH just rescinded his funding freeze.

This is part of what I'm hoping (but not expecting) to happen with some of the more egregious EO's. It follows Trump's usual MO of tons of bluster and threatening huge action, then either rescinding or settling for something significantly less when he actually gets pushed on it. I'm guessing the actual billionaires with lots to lose gave him some version of "hold up a minute".

The "something less" would still likely be awful, but possibly not as catastrophic as the original thing would have been.

[Alefroth]

According to the press secretary, the EO was not rescinded.

[LordMortis]

I heard that if you are federal worker and you don't want to be a hardcore worker for Leon that you can send the GOP Administration $1,000 then they will use it to unlock cryto accounts worth over a million and that they will send you half of what they make back as part their buy out of your employment, helping to set you up for early retirement.

[hepcat]

According to the press secretary, the EO was not rescinded.

The original memo calling for the freeze was rescinded according to her. They're trying to save face by saying "but we're still going to review spending!".

[Skinypupy]

Official orders for the first concentration - er, detention - camp have now come down. Up to 30,000 people at Guantanamo Bay

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he will be signing an executive order to set in motion preparations for a facility to house thousands of migrants at Guantanamo Bay.

Trump made the announcement during a signing ceremony for the Laken Riley Act, an immigration detention measure.

"I’m also signing an executive order to instruct the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin preparing the 30,000 person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay," he said.

[El Guapo]

Official orders for the first concentration - er, detention - camp have now come down. Up to 30,000 people at Guantanamo Bay

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he will be signing an executive order to set in motion preparations for a facility to house thousands of migrants at Guantanamo Bay.

Trump made the announcement during a signing ceremony for the Laken Riley Act, an immigration detention measure.

"I’m also signing an executive order to instruct the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin preparing the 30,000 person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay," he said.

Beyond the macho "I'm so tough I am sending people to Gitmo" messaging, what's the point? Why would you send migrants to Gitmo rather than, you know, back to their home countries?