President Donald Trump has imposed a hiring freeze on most federal jobs but exempted some positions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told CNN air traffic controllers and inspectors were exempt from the freeze and the FAA is actively hiring controllers.

The air traffic controllers union had asked for clarification on whether members were eligible for the federal buyout and only received confirmation from a report on CNN.

Federal workers who accept the Trump administration's deferred resignation offer would work through Feb. 28 and be placed on administrative leave March 1.

The Trump administration is planning widespread layoffs among the federal workforce soon, leaving employees who don’t accept its deferred resignation offer at risk of losing their jobs, two Trump administration officials told CNN.