It’s official: About 75,000 federal employees have opted to take the buyout deal offered by former President Donald Trump. The program, dubbed “Fork in the Road,” closed to new applicants Wednesday night after a whirlwind week of legal drama and last-minute decisions.
So, what’s the big deal? Let’s break it down.
The Numbers Game
This buyout accounts for just 3.3% of the federal workforce—way below the White House’s initial predictions of 5% to 10%. With 2.3 million federal employees in total, many expected a bigger turnout for this deal.
Still, 75,000 people accepting a buyout is no small number. Think about it: that’s like the entire population of a mid-sized city deciding to make a career move at once!
Legal Rollercoaster
Earlier on Wednesday, a federal judge in Massachusetts made a crucial decision. After initially pausing the buyout program, the judge ruled that federal employee unions didn’t have the legal standing to block it. With the pause lifted, the Trump administration wasted no time—closing the program to new applicants by 7 p.m. ET that same day.
What Was the Deal?
Here’s the gist: Federal employees were offered eight months of pay and benefits in exchange for resigning immediately. But not everyone was on board. Democrats warned workers to be cautious, highlighting that federal funding wasn’t guaranteed beyond mid-March.
What Happens Next?
For those staying in their jobs, there’s a catch. They’re now expected to return to in-person work and meet stricter performance standards, including being “reliable, loyal, and trustworthy.”
And for the rest of the workforce? Layoffs and furloughs may be looming. Trump’s administration had already started rolling out “large-scale reductions in force” with layoffs beginning at the General Services Administration, which oversees federal real estate.
Musk’s Role in the Mix
Here’s a twist you might not have seen coming: Billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is playing a big part in this shake-up. Tasked with slashing federal spending, Musk’s influence is a cornerstone of the administration’s efforts to streamline government operations.
What It All Means
This buyout program is more than just a headline—it’s a glimpse into how the federal government is changing. Whether you see it as necessary reform or a troubling shift, one thing’s clear: The federal workforce is at a crossroads, and the road ahead could look very different.
