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."
