URGENT UPDATE: The Trump administration has just announced a significant overhaul of federal employee classification, making it easier for the president to terminate public employees. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) confirmed this major shift on February 6, 2023, introducing a new “Schedule Policy/Career” category that could impact thousands of federal positions.
This new classification allows the president unprecedented authority to fire employees without the usual procedural safeguards. Positions classified under this new category include roles such as senior policy analysts and regulatory affairs specialists, which are critical in shaping federal policies. The OPM emphasized that this change is aimed at enhancing accountability within the federal workforce.
Critically, employees transferred into the Schedule Policy/Career category will lose their rights to adverse action procedures and appeals, which have historically protected federal workers from arbitrary termination. This drastic move means that the executive branch can now dismiss employees for reasons that previously required thorough procedural justifications.
According to OPM Director Scott Kupor, this change is necessary to streamline the accountability of career officials, “removing procedural impediments to holding career officials accountable for their performance and conduct.” However, this has raised alarms among critics, who fear that it could lead to political manipulation and the potential for loyalty tests within federal agencies.
During a recent public comment period, the OPM received a staggering 40,500 comments, with approximately 94 percent opposing the proposed regulation. Despite this overwhelming dissent, the OPM has proceeded with its plans. Kupor reported that federal agency heads have suggested reclassifying about 50,000 positions, representing approximately 2 percent of the entire federal workforce.
The regulation also requires agencies to enforce internal policies protecting these “Schedule Policy/Career” employees from whistleblower reprisals, although these protections are no longer guaranteed. Critics argue that this could create a chilling effect on employees who may wish to report misconduct or policy failures.
As this regulation is set to be published in the Federal Register today, the implications for federal workers are profound. The administration’s history of similar policies raises concerns about the politicization of public service, with many fearing that loyalty to the president could overshadow professional merit.
What’s Next: The full impact of these changes will unfold in the coming weeks as agencies begin implementing the new rules. Watch for responses from federal employee unions and advocacy groups, as well as potential legal challenges aimed at halting these changes.
This ongoing situation is critical for both current and future federal employees and could reshape the landscape of public service in the United States. Share your thoughts and stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
