WASHINGTON ― Thursday was expected to be the final day for decisions. Over 2 million federal workers nationwide were facing a deadline to decide whether to resign or continue in their roles.

However, a federal judge in Massachusetts intervened on Thursday afternoon, temporarily halting the buyout initiative and pushing the deadline back at least until Monday, when a hearing is scheduled.

In a significant move to shrink the workforce, President Donald Trump recently proposed a large-scale buyout plan targeting the entire federal workforce, heightening concerns and stress among federal employees regarding their future choices.

The judge’s ruling regarding the legitimacy of the buyout program has now added to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

Here’s what to note:

What did the judge rule?

U.S. District Judge George O’Toole granted a temporary restraining order allowing further legal action in a case filed by unions contesting the validity of the buyout program.

This means the initial 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday deadline has been postponed until at least Monday, when the next hearing will occur.

What’s the White House’s response?

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt released a statement claiming that the judge’s decision would enable more federal employees to participate in the buyout offer.

“We appreciate the judge for extending the deadline so that more federal employees who are reluctant to return to the workplace can take advantage of this generous, once-in-a-lifetime offer,” Leavitt remarked.

Who filed the lawsuit?

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) along with two additional unions lodged a lawsuit in Massachusetts federal court on Tuesday aiming to nullify the buyout plan, contending that the Trump administration lacks any legal basis for this “unprecedented offer.”

The plaintiffs also argued that the Trump administration cannot approve buyout payments extending through September given that Congress hasn’t allocated funds beyond March 14.

AFGE is the largest union for federal employees, representing approximately 800,000 workers.

Who is Judge O’Toole?

O’Toole has been a federal judge since 1995 and was appointed by President Bill Clinton.

What does the buyout entail?

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management proposed that all federal employees could receive eight months’ worth of pay and benefits through September if they resign by February 6.

What does ‘Fork in the Road’ mean?

The offer was announced via a surprise email sent at 6:04 p.m. on January 28 with the subject “The Fork in the Road.”

This term was inspired by tech magnate Elon Musk, who Trump has enlisted to guide the governmental overhaul through his Department of Government Efficiency.

“The Fork in the Road” matches the subject line Musk utilized in 2022 when he presented a similar ultimatum to Twitter employees after acquiring the platform, which he later renamed X.

What do workers need to do?

Federal workers choosing to remain in their positions will have to return to in-person roles, adhere to new “performance standards,” and demonstrate “reliability, loyalty, and trustworthiness,” among other reforms across the government.

Are employees expected to keep working if they accept the buyout?

No, though this has caused some confusion.

The initial “Fork in the Road” email sparked questions due to its phrasing, as it did not clearly state that federal employees would not have to work through September if they accepted the buyout offer.

A follow-up email titled “Fork in the Road FAQs” clarified that employees accepting the offer will not be required to work during the resignation deferment period and can take another job while still receiving pay until September.

Will there be an extension of the buyout offer?

No.

Employees were informed in an email sent early Thursday morning at 1:05 a.m., titled “Final Day: Fork in the Road,” that there would NOT be an extension for this program.

This communication was sent before the judge’s ruling was made.

How many workers have taken the buyout?

As of Thursday afternoon, around 60,000 federal employees had opted for the buyout, according to NBC News. This constitutes about 2.6% of the total workforce, trailing behind the government’s target of 5% to 10%.

The White House anticipates that participation will significantly increase in the final 24 hours.
 

Are layoffs a possibility?

The Trump administration has hinted that layoffs or furloughs may occur if an insufficient number of federal employees agree to the buyouts.

The initial “Fork in the Road” email cautioned that many federal departments and agencies would be “downsized through restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force.”

Additionally, a memo from OPM on Tuesday indicated that employees could face furloughs if they do not accept the buyout, warning that “the majority of federal agencies will be downsized,” with the Defense Department being the notable exception.

What’s Musk’s involvement?

The buyout initiative for federal employees illustrates the substantial influence Musk wields over Trump’s federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), formed by executive order from the president.

Musk and his DOGE team have taken charge of the OPM and the federal IT framework, rapidly restructuring governmental departments and agencies.

Trump’s DOGE order mandated that department leaders offer the new agency “full and prompt access to all unclassified agency records, software systems, and IT systems.”

What are the Democrats’ views?

Democrats in Congress have cautioned federal workers against accepting the buyout offer, arguing that there are no appropriated funds for the buyouts and that Trump has not guaranteed the payment delivery.

Contact Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.