Mercer Times

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined a coalition of 21 state attorneys general in opposition to the Trump administration's federal "buyout" plan, known as the "Fork in the Road" directive. This initiative is alleged to compel federal workers into deciding between accepting a contentious "buyout" or facing potential termination within a limited timeframe.

Attorney General Platkin criticized the plan, stating, “Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s ‘buyout’ scam is nothing more than an attempt to intimidate public servants out of their jobs.” He expressed concern about the negative impact on both employees and New Jersey residents who depend on federal services. Platkin announced his support for unions challenging this action by filing an amicus brief.

The coalition submitted an amicus brief backing a motion for a temporary restraining order filed by several unions against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) directive, issued on January 28, 2025. The directive required most federal employees to decide by February 6 whether to accept “deferred resignation,” which would allow them to resign while retaining pay and benefits until September 30, 2025, with an implied threat of position elimination otherwise.

The plaintiff unions have taken legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, arguing that the directive and its frequently revised FAQs led to confusion among employees facing an arbitrary deadline. On February 6, U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr., postponed this deadline until February 10, with a hearing scheduled in Boston.

Attorney General Platkin emphasized that losing essential federal employees could significantly disrupt cooperative efforts between various government levels. The coalition urged for a temporary restraining order to protect these workers and uphold public interest.

Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island Vermont Washington and the District of Columbia joined Platkin on this amicus brief.