The Trump administration on Thursday finalized a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. government’s civil service system, granting the president the authority to hire and fire an estimated 50,000 career federal employees, according to a statement from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
The move fulfills a campaign promise by President Donald Trump to reduce job protections for federal workers deemed to be “influencing” government policy, a plan he first introduced as “Schedule F” during his first administration. Officials describe it as the most significant change to the federal civil service in over a century.
The overhaul is expected to face immediate judicial scrutiny. Federal worker unions and advocacy groups filed a lawsuit in January seeking to block the policy before it was finalized. While litigation was temporarily paused as the administration completed the changes, the court challenge is set to resume in the coming days, according to Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward, one of the organizations behind the suit.
“We will return to court to stop this unlawful rule and will use every legal tool available to hold this administration accountable,” Perryman said in a statement.
Under the new system, Trump will have discretion to determine which federal positions lose long-standing job protections. The administration is also modifying enforcement of whistleblower safeguards.
Federal agencies will now oversee protections for employees who report misconduct, such as illegal activity or wasteful spending—functions previously managed by the independent Office of the Special Counsel.
Critics warn the changes could weaken protections for career federal employees and make it easier for political considerations to influence civil service operations, while supporters argue the reform will increase accountability and reduce bureaucratic inertia.
This overhaul marks a dramatic shift in the balance of power between the executive branch and federal career employees, setting the stage for legal battles and significant changes in government workforce management.
About the Author
