Trump’s ‘Fork in the Road’ federal workforce program faces legal scrutiny

Semafor looks into the legality of the Fork in the Road program, the Trump administration initiative offering federal employees deferred resignation with continued pay and administrative leave. Critics argue the program violates multiple federal statutes, including caps on separation incentives and limits on administrative leave.

Nick Bednar, a University of Minnesota law professor, points to the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits federal agencies from obligating funds without congressional approval. He also cites the Administrative Leave Act of 2016, which limits administrative leave to ten days per year, whereas the program promises extended leave.

However, OPM defends the program, arguing it requires no new appropriations and falls within existing regulatory discretion. In a memo to agency heads, OPM officials claim the ten-day rule applies only to involuntary leave during investigations, not voluntary participation in a resignation program.

The legal debate underscores broader concerns about federal workforce restructuring under Trump. With a 14 March 2025 federal funding deadline looming, the program’s fate may depend on congressional intervention or the courts.