Erica Roach, the chief financial officer of the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), resigned this week. This move comes amid a broader shakeup of US government personnel during President Donald Trump’s second term.
The news follows reports that Elon Musk’s aides have recently taken control of the department as part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. Under DOGE, Musk has advocated for significant budget and staff cuts.
According to CNN, Roach was asked last week in a meeting with one of the Trump administration’s appointees if she would be “loyal” and trustworthy. Roach is reported to have replied that she does the “right thing” every time.
The CFO was removed from office without any reason being provided and offered another post, which was a demotion. She chose to hand in her papers.
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The OPM has been the source of recent mass emails sent to federal employees urging them to quit and be paid through September.
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These funds are often used by the Treasury Department when the country hits its debt ceiling and cannot borrow or pay its arrears until the limit is increased or suspended.
FAQs
1. Has the US hit its debt ceiling?
Yes, it did so on January 21 this year.
2. When did Erica Roach join OPM?
Erica Roach entered the agency in 2017 after working with companies like Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte.
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Roach resigns after meeting
As reported by Reuters, ABC News reporter Ben Siegel broke the news of Roach's resignation in a post on X. He stated that she was resigning after being pushed out by the Trump administration.According to CNN, Roach was asked last week in a meeting with one of the Trump administration’s appointees if she would be “loyal” and trustworthy. Roach is reported to have replied that she does the “right thing” every time.
The CFO was removed from office without any reason being provided and offered another post, which was a demotion. She chose to hand in her papers.
Also Read : $8 million Super Bowl ads highlight NFL's expanding reach, and Taylor Swift effect
Elon Musk’s influence at OPM
The billionaire and his associates are allegedly exerting a lot of influence over the department. Political appointees at OPM who are linked to Elon Musk are advising career staff to prepare to reduce the OPM’s workforce by as much as 70 per cent. The reason is to replace them with employees who will not resist any substantial cuts that Musk is planning under DOGE.The OPM has been the source of recent mass emails sent to federal employees urging them to quit and be paid through September.
Roach’s successor
Melissa Ford, who has been the Associate CFO since 2022, may replace Roach, as per reports. The news has not been officially confirmed.The Office of Personnel Management
The OPM, as it is also known, is the American government’s human resources agency. It handles over $1 trillion in assets under the Earned Benefits Trust Funds, which finances the health, life insurance and retirement benefits for millions of federal employees.Also Read : Revolutionary record producer Irv Gotti passes away at 54
These funds are often used by the Treasury Department when the country hits its debt ceiling and cannot borrow or pay its arrears until the limit is increased or suspended.
FAQs
1. Has the US hit its debt ceiling?
Yes, it did so on January 21 this year.
2. When did Erica Roach join OPM?
Erica Roach entered the agency in 2017 after working with companies like Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte.
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