The Trump administration’s sweeping plan to downsize the federal workforce has hit a temporary roadblock after a federal judge delayed the deadline for government workers to accept a buyout offer. The initiative, which aims to cut the size of the federal bureaucracy, gave workers until February 6 to voluntarily resign with pay until September 30—but that deadline is now on hold pending a court hearing on Monday.
At the heart of the controversy is Trump’s “Fork in the Road” directive, a bold initiative launched by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on January 28. The offer, sent to over two million federal employees, made it clear that changes were coming—and that those who chose to stay might not have job security under Trump’s restructuring plan.
So far, at least 60,000 workers have already taken the deal. But the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and other federal unions are fighting back, calling the plan illegal and an attempt to purge the workforce.
Judge George O’Toole Jr., a Clinton appointee, issued a temporary pause on the deadline while the court reviews the case. Arguments will be heard Monday about whether the offer violates federal employment laws.
The Trump administration remains undeterred. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt welcomed the delay, saying it gives more federal workers a chance to take the deal—especially those who refuse to return to in-person work.
“We are grateful to the Judge for extending the deadline so more federal workers who refuse to show up to the office can take the Administration up on this very generous, once-in-a-lifetime offer,” Leavitt said.
The administration has been outspoken about its goal to trim the federal workforce, eliminate wasteful programs, and demand higher performance standards. The “Fork in the Road” message laid out four pillars of the plan:
- Returning to in-office work
- Focusing on excellence and accountability
- Reducing the size of federal agencies
- Raising standards of conduct
Federal workers who chose to stay were thanked for their “renewed focus” but were also warned that job cuts were coming.
“At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency,” the message read. “But should your position be eliminated, you will be treated with dignity.”
Everett Kelley, president of the AFGE, celebrated the judge’s decision, calling the buyout program unlawful.
“We continue to believe this program violates the law, and we will continue to aggressively defend our members’ rights,” he said.
Unions argue that the Trump administration is using fear tactics to pressure workers into leaving and that offering payments until September could violate federal budget laws.
