Trump Administration's Plan to Reform Civil Service Advances Under New Name
The Trump administration is moving forward with rebranded initiatives to streamline the process of terminating certain federal employees. In a recent memorandum to all federal agencies, the Office of Personnel Management introduced guidance for what is now termed ‘Schedule Career/Policy,’ a modification of the previous ‘Schedule F’ designation from the end of President Donald Trump’s first term.
‘Effective performance management of employees in confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating positions is crucial,’ emphasized the OPM. This necessitates a higher level of appointment flexibility for these employees compared to the current competitive service process.
The Process of Review and Implementation
The six-page memo and accompanying executive order amendment instruct federal agency leaders to conduct an initial assessment within 90 days to identify positions aligning with ‘policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating’ roles. This evaluation includes determining roles that remain stable despite presidential transitions.
A comprehensive review must be finalized within 210 days, highlighting the significance of promptly addressing these staffing considerations.
Expectations for Schedule Policy/Career Employees
The OPM clarified that individuals in or seeking Schedule Policy/Career roles are not obligated to offer personal or political support to the current administration. However, they are expected to demonstrate administrative loyalty by faithfully executing administration policies within the bounds of their constitutional responsibilities.
Failure to adhere to these expectations may result in dismissal, underscoring the importance of compliance with governmental directives.
Policy Evolution and Response
This recent memo and executive order amendment mark the latest phase in a civil service transformation initiated by Executive Order 13957 under the Trump administration. This order introduced the Schedule F classification, which heightened the vulnerability of certain federal employees to termination.
Contrasting this approach, the Biden administration swiftly revoked Executive Order 13957 in early 2021, emphasizing the preservation of civil service merit principles and the rejection of undue political influence in staffing decisions.
Subsequent actions by both administrations reflect their divergent views on civil service management and the balance between employee protections and administrative flexibility.
Challenges and Responses
The National Treasury Employees Union has raised concerns about potential ‘political loyalty tests’ arising from these changes, underscoring the need for transparency and fairness in federal employment practices.
As the debate continues, agencies must navigate the delicate balance between expeditious performance management and preserving employees’ rights, ensuring a cohesive and effective civil service framework.
