February 2nd, 2025

DOGE Staff Had Questions About the 'Resign' Email. Their HR Chief Dodged Them

DOGE employees questioned HR chief Stephanie Holmes about a "deferred resignation" email, confirming its legality but lacking details. Concerns about email spoofing and staffing cuts across federal agencies were also raised.

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DOGE Staff Had Questions About the 'Resign' Email. Their HR Chief Dodged Them

During a recent meeting at DOGE, the new HR chief, Stephanie Holmes, faced numerous questions from staff regarding an email offering "deferred resignations." Employees sought clarity on the implications of this offer, which was linked to a looming February 6 deadline. Holmes confirmed the legality of the offer but provided limited details, stating that the information available was sufficient for employees to make personal decisions. Concerns were raised about the potential for email spoofing, which could lead to unauthorized resignations. Holmes emphasized the benefits of accepting the offer, such as job security and exemption from return-to-office mandates, but did not commit to providing further specifics or a formal acceptance process. The situation reflects broader uncertainties within the federal workforce, as other agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), are also preparing for significant staffing cuts. The DOGE initiative, established by President Trump and led by Elon Musk, has faced scrutiny and legal challenges regarding its status as a federal agency.

- DOGE staff expressed confusion over a "deferred resignation" email and sought clarification from HR.

- HR chief Stephanie Holmes confirmed the offer's legality but provided limited details.

- Concerns about email spoofing and unauthorized resignations were raised by employees.

- The February 6 deadline for accepting the offer is approaching, adding urgency to the situation.

- Other federal agencies are also facing potential staffing cuts, contributing to overall uncertainty.

Link Icon 4 comments
By @mullingitover - 3 months
> One employee expressed concerns that outside actors could send resignation emails on staffers’ behalf by spoofing their email addresses.

I'd be shocked if this wasn't happening. A hostile actor could throw the whole federal workforce into chaos with a one-liner script? Obviously that's something you'd do immediately.

By @ChrisArchitect - 3 months
By @kittikitti - 3 months
I guess when a Silicon Valley gatekeeper like Google does it, it's a totally normal activity and there's nothing to see here. If anyone deemed unsuitable to the gatekeepers do it, it's quickly flagged and hated.
By @kevingadd - 3 months
Title is a little misleading, these aren't staff of the new made up DOGE agency but an existing agency (the US Digital Service) that predates the Trump administration and is now (apparently?) under the control of Elon Musk