HUD Reports Significant Staff Resignations Amid New Efficiency Programs

EXCLUSIVE INSIGHT: Approximately 2,300 employees from the Department of Housing and Urban Development opted to accept deferred resignation offers since the beginning of the year, according to information obtained by Fox News Digital.

In a statement to Fox News Digital on Wednesday, Secretary Scott Turner emphasized the need to reevaluate resources and personnel while striving to support vulnerable populations across the country. He asserted that the department is committed to delivering quality service to the American people.

Turner pointed out that the Deferred Resignation Program reflects President Trump’s dedication to enhancing efficiency within the federal government. He explained that this program enables employees to explore new opportunities while allowing the agency to streamline its operations.

Deferred Resignation Program Explained

Earlier in 2025, the Office of Personnel Management offered deferred resignations to federal staff, a program that closed in February. This initiative provided employees with eight months’ salary and benefits if they chose to leave their positions within the federal government.

In a proactive move, HUD announced a follow-up resignation offer on March 31 aimed at employees who regretted not taking advantage of the earlier opportunity.

Current Employment Landscape at HUD

With approximately 2,300 HUD staff having accepted the deferred resignation offers, slight changes in numbers are anticipated as final agreements are reached. Before the Trump administration, HUD’s workforce consisted of nearly 10,000 employees, a number that reflects the significant reduction in staffing levels over recent years.

Unprecedented Changes Under Biden Administration

Reports have indicated that HUD has experienced a dramatic decrease in staff engagement, particularly under the Biden administration. Sources noted that the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., became eerily vacant as personnel frequently opted to work remotely, minimizing their physical presence in the office.

In February, Fox News Digital described HUD’s headquarters as comparable to an off-season ‘Spirit Halloween’ store, referencing the empty offices left largely untouched since the Trump administration.

Encouraging Staff Engagement and Accountability

In a post on its official X account, HUD highlighted President Trump’s swift actions in reforming the federal workforce. Turner indicated that employees were presented with an option to separate from their federal roles, calling it a pivotal moment in workforce management.

“The option to explore other opportunities was available until February 12, 2025. Subsequently, we received inquiries from staff who wished they had taken that opportunity,” he explained during the announcement for the new Deferred Resignation Program, which opened on the same day and will close on April 11, 2025.

A Shift in Agency Priorities

Turner’s comments underscore a broader shift in the agency’s priorities. Under the current administration, there have been efforts to revitalize the agency’s operations and ensure that staff are contributing effectively to the government’s essential functions.

In a statement earlier this year, Turner articulated concerns about the governmental inefficiencies observed during the previous four years. He asserted that the lack of active engagement from staff constituted a disservice to taxpayers, stating, “The four-year vacation for staffers is over.”

Commitment to Public Accountability

President Donald Trump’s administration has been marked by a strong emphasis on accountability and transparency within federal agencies. Upon resuming his duties in the Oval Office, Trump instructed agency leaders to take immediate action to terminate ongoing remote work arrangements instigated by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’ve experienced the value of in-person collaboration throughout my career,” Turner shared. He noted that teamwork flourishes in a physical environment, facilitating communication and innovation. “At HUD, we are committed to serving the American people effectively.”

Looking Ahead

As the new Deferred Resignation Program unfolds, HUD is focused on realigning its workforce to enhance operational effectiveness while better serving communities across the nation. Turner’s leadership marks a significant move toward reevaluating traditional work structures within the agency.

With ongoing changes in staffing dynamics, HUD appears poised to navigate the challenges ahead. Tackling issues of efficiency and responsiveness, the agency aims to bolster its commitment to the communities it serves. The transition represents a pivotal moment in reshaping the future of HUD and fortifying its role in public service.