The Trump administration spent an estimated $9.5 billion paying federal employees who were placed on administrative leave in 2025, according to a new Government Accountability Office report.
The figure represents a sixfold increase from 2023, while agencies’ use of paid administrative leave rose 435%. The increase was largely linked to the Department of Government Efficiency’s deferred resignation program, which offered federal employees months of paid leave if they agreed to resign.
The GAO estimated that about $6.7 billion went toward the program, involving more than 144,000 workers. However, the watchdog warned that agency data limitations could mean the estimate is overstated.
OPM previously defended the initiative, saying it would accelerate workforce reductions and eventually save more than $20 billion annually.
Democratic lawmakers criticized the spending, arguing it undermined the administration’s pledge to reduce government waste.
Related Tweet:
The federal government paid federal workers $9.5 billion not to work in 2025 amid President Trump's push to shrink the federal workforce, according to a new watchdog report. https://t.co/kzhI8kB8gA
— ABC News (@ABC) September 16, 2026
Also Read:
TIPP Staff
