The Disappointing Results of Trump’s ‘Deferred Resignation’ Plan Are Part of a Pattern
A federal judge in Massachusetts yesterday allowed the Trump administration to go forward with its “Fork in the Road” plan, which aims to reduce the federal work force by paying employees to quit. That initiative was announced with much fanfare but will have little practical impact on spending or the size of the federal government. In that respect, it is typical of the cost-cutting measures we have seen so far from Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Like the government he criticizes, which he is now part of as a “special government employee,” Musk has a habit of overpromising and underdelivering.
On January 28, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent about 2 million federal employees an email under the header “Fork in the Road.” The message noted that President Donald Trump had issued executive orders aimed at achieving “significant” reform of the federal work force, including downsizing of agencies, stricter “performance standards,” “enhanced standards of conduct,” and a requirement that most employees work in offices rather than from home. That introduction aimed to foster uncertainty about employees’ job security.
“If you choose to remain in your current position, we thank you for your renewed focus on serving the American people to the best of your abilities and look forward to working together as part of an improved federal workforce,” OPM Acting Director Charles Ezell said. “At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency but should your position be eliminated you will be treated with dignity and will be afforded the protections in place for such positions.”
For employees who did not want to take their chances, the OPM offered an alternative. “If you choose not to continue in your current role in the federal workforce, we thank you for your service to your country and you will be provided with a dignified, fair departure from the federal government utilizing a deferred resignation program,” Ezell said. “If you resign under this program, you will retain all pay and benefits regardless of your daily workload and will be exempted from all applicable in-person work requirements until September 30, 2025 (or earlier if you choose to accelerate your resignation for any reason).” The deadline for making that decision, originally February 6, was later extended to yesterday.
Several labor unions challenged the deferred resignation plan in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on February 4, arguing that it violated the Administrative Procedure Act. In a decision issued on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Gerald A.
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.
