President Trump’s recent offer to federal workers—resign now, get paid through September—has left many scratching their heads. Some are downright furious, while others are just plain confused. And now, people are starting to wonder if it’s even legal.

Imagine getting an email out of the blue telling you to quit your job but promising to keep paying you for months. That’s exactly what happened to a USDA employee in Mississippi. They laughed at the absurdity of it and promptly deleted the message. “I’ve invested my whole life in the federal government,” they said. “I’m not throwing that away.”

Across the country, federal workers are echoing similar sentiments. Many are unwilling to give up their health benefits, retirement plans, or student loan forgiveness programs—let alone their careers. And they’re not alone. Unions representing these employees are calling the offer a “scam” and warning workers to steer clear.

The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union for federal workers, quickly spoke out. They stressed that the offer is riddled with inconsistencies and lacks legal backing. “There’s no guarantee employees will get what’s being promised,” they said in a statement. Plus, with government funding only secure through mid-March, the Trump administration can’t even guarantee payments beyond that without Congress stepping in.

To calm the backlash, the administration sent a follow-up email on Friday, this time from individual agencies. The message assured workers the offer is “valid, lawful, and will be honored.” It also clarified t