Trump’s Executive Order Alters Federal Employment Status

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that shifts approximately 8,000 federal workers into an ‘at-will’ employment category. This change removes civil-service protections for these employees, allowing for rapid dismissal. The move expands the administration’s power to replace career officials in key policy-influencing positions, reminiscent of the previous Schedule F framework.

This directive affects multiple agencies, including those focusing on cybersecurity, data systems, and emerging technology. The changes have sparked legal debates and could cause disruptions within the federal workforce. Reclassified roles include chief information officers, a chief information security officer, and senior staff overseeing IT modernization, data governance, and artificial intelligence.

Details of the ‘At-Will’ Employment Order

The executive order reclassifies many senior career officials into the Schedule Policy/Career category, introduced in Trump’s second term. Employees in this classification lose access to traditional appeals processes, making them susceptible to dismissal without it. A significant number of affected positions are at the GS-15 level, including directors, deputy directors, and senior advisers, with salaries nearing $200,000 annually.

At the signing ceremony, White House officials stated that the order ensures senior staff can implement the administration’s agenda efficiently. However, critics argue that the order revives Schedule F principles and risks politicizing nonpartisan roles.

Scott Kupor, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, defended the order, emphasizing the importance of positions being filled by individuals ready to execute the administration’s directives.

Agencies Most Affected by Trump’s Order

The impact of the ‘at-will’ order will vary across federal agencies. Departments where senior civil servants shape national security, scientific and regulatory work, or manage complex technology systems face greater risks of disruption and politicization.

Department of Homeland Security

The DHS hosts one of the largest senior workforces, particularly in cybersecurity, intelligence, and border security. Reclassification could affect continuity and national security if politically-driven turnover occurs.

Department of Defense

The DOD, with its extensive cadre of senior analysts and policy advisers, faces vulnerability to the ‘at-will’ reclassification due to its large GS-14 and GS-15 population.

Department of Health and Human Services

With over 25,000 employees at the GS-13 and GS-14 levels, the HHS drives public health and regulatory policy. Rapid personnel changes could destabilize functions dependent on scientific independence.

Department of the Treasury

The Treasury, with many GS-13 and GS-14 officials, focuses on sanctions, financial systems, and economic analysis. The department’s sensitivity to politically influenced turnover remains high.

Department of Justice

DOJ’s senior workforce, predominantly GS-12 to GS-14 legal and policy staff, determines enforcement priorities and regulatory interpretation. At-will status may influence legal judgments.

Department of Energy

The DOE’s employees working in cybersecurity and nuclear policy analysis face vulnerability due to their roles in supporting critical infrastructure and national security.

Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA’s workforce primarily consists of GS-12 and GS-13 staff involved in environmental enforcement and scientific integrity. Politicization could affect rulemaking.

Office of Management and Budget

OMB’s smaller regulatory-review teams play a significant role in federal rulemaking, meaning at-will reclassification could impact regulation evaluation.

General Services Administration

GSA’s senior workforce handles modernization and AI governance, underscoring the potential impact of at-will status on tech infrastructure and procurement decisions.