President Donald Trump has initiated a significant policy shift aimed at transforming the federal government's operational efficiency. This new rule, introduced by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), seeks to streamline the process of removing government employees who obstruct or oppose the President's agenda. Trump, who has often expressed his desire to see government "run like a business," took to Truth Social to voice his rationale, stating, "If these government workers refuse to advance the policy interests of the President, or are engaging in corrupt behavior, they should no longer have a job."
The measure is expected to impact roughly 2% of the federal workforce, translating into potential terminations for an estimated 50,000 workers who are perceived to be resistant to presidential policies or involved in subversive activities, as reported by the New York Post. This action is consistent with Trump's ongoing struggle against what he perceives as a bureaucratic system that impeded his initiatives during his first term in office.
The new rule expands upon Trump's "Schedule F" proposal, which he introduced towards the end of his first term and reinstated with an executive order on the first day of his second term, after it was rescinded by former President Joe Biden. Trump's supporters echo the sentiment that career government officials have often placed their policy preferences above presidential directives, thereby undermining his leadership.
Under current protocols, the removal of a federal employee can take up to a year, given the extended appeals process. The new rule, however, aims to expedite this process, allowing for the swifter dismissal of those who prioritize personal interests over those of the American populace. Chuck Ezell, Acting Director of OPM, emphasized the importance of the change, asserting that federal employees, especially those in policymaking positions, "must be held to the highest standards of conduct."
The policy is designed to reinforce accountability within the bureaucracy and ensure that officials implement the administration's policies rather than act on their own agendas. While law enforcement and other frontline workers are generally exempt from this rule, all federal employees are expected to faithfully execute the law and follow the administration's directives.
This policy is a direct counter to concerns about the so-called "deep state" – federal employees allegedly leveraging their positions to thwart the President's initiatives. Trump's administration regards this bureaucratic resistance as a barrier to effective governance. By implementing these policy shifts, the administration aims to dismantle that barrier, ensuring government workers are held accountable for their role in shaping laws and policies.
The proposed changes have sparked controversy, with protests against Trump's decision suggesting it could erode workers' rights and result in politically motivated dismissals. However, Trump's camp maintains that these reforms are vital for a government that effectively serves the American people. This move is seen as a bold step in Trump's broader strategy to assert greater control over the federal government, focusing on accountability and efficiency to prioritize the needs of the American public.
