According to ChainCatcher, in February, Nick Gioia was fired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture after Trump and Musk implemented measures to reduce the size and cost of the federal government. After a court ruling, Gioia was reinstated with paid leave. In recent days, the Trump administration sent voluntary severance "buyout plans" via email to government employees at least six federal agencies, giving them the opportunity to take paid leave until September 30.

Gioia decided to accept. The roller coaster of being fired and reinstated, as well as the fear and uncertainty experienced by Gioia and his colleagues, have caused damage. "For some of us, it's time to leave before this experience completely erodes our remaining happiness," Gioia said. Other federal employees stated that they are accepting the second buyout plan, noting that many civil servants feel exhausted after three months of chaos and layoffs caused by the government efficiency department.