Key Steps for Federal Employees Preparing to Retire

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What Do Federal Employees Need to Know if They Are Ready to Retire?

If you’re a federal employee preparing for retirement, it’s essential to understand the steps involved and recent updates to the process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your retirement journey:

Key Steps for Federal Employees Preparing to Retire

 Verify Your Eligibility

  1. Review and Complete Necessary Forms

 Gather and Verify Documentation

  • Official Personnel Folder (OPF): Ensure it contains all records of your federal service.
  • Military Service Records: If applicable, confirm that your military service is documented and any required deposits are paid. U.S. Office of Personnel Management

 Understand Your Benefits

  • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Decide on withdrawal options and understand the tax implications.
  • Social Security: Determine the optimal time to begin receiving benefits.
  • FEHB and FEGLI: Review your eligibility to continue health and life insurance benefits into retirement. U.S. Office of Personnel Management

 Submit Your Application

  • Timing: Submit your retirement application approximately 60 days before your intended retirement date.
  • Submission: If you’re currently employed, submit your application through your agency’s HR office. If separated, send it directly to OPM. U.S. Office of Personnel Management

IMPORTANT – Transition to Digital Retirement Applications

Starting June 2, 2025, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will process all new retirement applications digitally through the Online Retirement Application (ORA) system. Paper applications will no longer be accepted after July 15, 2025. This shift aims to expedite processing times and improve accuracy. Business Insider

 

 

Is it Legal For President Trump to Accept a Luxury Boeing 747-8 Jet From Qatar?

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Is it Legal For President Trump to Accept a Luxury Boeing 747-8 Jet From Qatar?

The legality of former President Donald Trump accepting a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar is under intense scrutiny, primarily due to the U.S. Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause. The Daily Beast+10Business Insider+10Time+10

 What Is the Foreign Emoluments Clause?

Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the U.S. Constitution, known as the Foreign Emoluments Clause, prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts, payments, or titles from foreign governments without the consent of Congress. This provision aims to prevent undue foreign influence and conflicts of interest. Wikipedia

The Proposed Jet Transfer

Reports indicate that the Qatari royal family plans to gift a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet to the U.S. Department of Defense for use as Air Force One during Trump’s presidency. Subsequently, the jet would be transferred to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation after his term ends. The aircraft, previously used by Qatar’s royal family, is lavishly outfitted with lounges, bedrooms, and other luxury amenities .The Daily Beast+15MySA+15New York Post+15news+9Vanity Fair+9ABC News+9Wikipedia

Legal and Ethical Concerns

Ethics experts argue that this arrangement may violate the Emoluments Clause, as it involves a valuable gift from a foreign government that could benefit Trump personally. Even though the initial recipient is the Department of Defense, the eventual transfer to Trump’s presidential library raises questions about personal gain and potential conflicts of interest .WSJ+11Time+11news+11

The Department of Justice has reportedly stated that the gift does not constitute bribery, as it is not tied to any specific service or favor. However, critics contend that the appearance of impropriety and the potential for personal benefit to Trump remain problematic .Mediaite

Congressional Approval and Precedents

Historically, U.S. presidents have sought congressional approval before accepting gifts from foreign governments. Without such approval, accepting the jet could set a concerning precedent and potentially violate constitutional provisions. Some lawmakers have expressed the need for a thorough legal review and possible congressional action to address the situation .New York Post+3news+3Time+3New York Post

Conclusion

While the proposed gift is framed as a donation to the U.S. government, the eventual benefit to Trump’s presidential library and potential personal use raises significant legal and ethical questions. The situation underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional safeguards designed to prevent foreign influence and maintain the integrity of public office.

 

Judge Blocks Trump’s Unconstitutional Reorganization of Government

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Judge Blocks Trump’s Unconstitutional Reorganization of Government

In a major victory for AFGE and allies, a district court judge May 9 issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking President Trump’s unconstitutional reorganization of the federal government. Follow link to read more from the American Federation of Government Employees.  https://www.afge.org/article/chaos-and-corruption-weekly-digest-week-16/

Trump Seeks To Raise Taxes For Those Making 2.5 Million or More Per Year 

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Trump Seeks To Raise Taxes For Those Making 2.5 Million or More Per Year 

President Donald Trump is currently advocating for a tax increase on the wealthiest Americans, specifically targeting individuals earning over $2.5 million annually and joint filers earning over $5 million. He has proposed raising the top marginal tax rate from 37% to 39.6%, effectively reversing a portion of the tax cuts implemented during his 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Avior Wealth Management+3Reuters+3The Washington Post+3

This proposal is part of a broader tax reform package that also includes eliminating the carried interest loophole for Wall Street investors and providing tax exemptions for tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits. The aim is to extend the TCJA provisions while addressing fiscal concerns. Reuters+1Slattery & Holman P.C |+1The Guardian+3The Economic Times+3Avior Wealth Management+3

The initiative has sparked debate within the Republican Party. While populist figures like Steve Bannon and Vice President JD Vance support the tax hike on millionaires to appeal to working-class voters and address the national debt, traditional conservatives such as Newt Gingrich and Larry Kudlow oppose it, fearing economic repercussions and a departure from longstanding GOP tax principles. AP News+2The Washington Post+2The Guardian+2

As of now, the proposal is under consideration, and its passage remains uncertain due to internal party divisions and the political risks associated with altering tax policies. The Guardian+2The Washington Post+2AP News+2

 

OPM Sets June 2 Deadline For New Retirement Applications to be Electronic 

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OPM Sets June 2 Deadline For New Retirement Applications to be Electronic 

The antiquated paper-based federal retirement system has been a target for federal modernization for years and was called out by Elon Musk.

The Office of Personnel Management is giving agencies less than a month to start submitting all new retirement applications for federal employees electronically, moving away from a largely paper-based system.

In a Wednesday memo, OPM acting Director Charles Ezell gave agencies that are served by the National Finance Center and Interior Business Center — two federal shared services providers offering HR support — a deadline of June 2 to start processing retirements electronically. Follow link to read more from Fedscoop. https://fedscoop.com/opm-sets-june-2-deadline-for-new-retirement-applications-to-be-electronic/