In a bold effort to reshape the structure and accountability of the federal workforce, former President Donald Trump has once again emphasized his intent to overhaul how policy-related civil servants are managed. His recent statements suggest that, should he return to office, those working on federal policy will be subject to new standards—and possibly face termination if their work does not align with the administration’s goals.
Speaking on Truth Social, Trump outlined a proposed executive order that would mandate the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to reclassify thousands of career employees under a new designation: “Schedule F” or what he also referred to as “Policy/Career” employees. These positions, which are critical to the creation and implementation of government policy, would become “at-will,” removing many of the civil service protections these employees have traditionally enjoyed.
“Under my Day One Executive Order, the Office of Personnel Management will be issuing new Civil Service Regulations for career government employees,” Trump wrote. “These workers, especially those involved in policymaking, must be held to the highest standards. If they work against the will of the elected president, they should not remain in those positions.”
The move is expected to affect an estimated 50,000 civil servants—around 2% of the federal workforce. These individuals hold key positions in various departments and agencies, influencing policies that span immigration, healthcare, environmental regulation, and national security.
Critics argue that this proposal threatens the nonpartisan nature of the civil service. Traditionally, career officials are meant to remain politically neutral, serving under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Opponents claim that reclassifying these workers as at-will employees would open the door to political purges and ideological litmus tests, undermining decades of government stability and experience.
However, Trump and his supporters see it differently. They argue that the federal bureaucracy has, in some cases, become a “deep state” resistant to change, particularly when that change involves conservative reforms. Supporters believe this policy would eliminate entrenched opposition within the government and create a more streamlined and responsive administration that reflects the president’s mandate.
“If you’re actively working against the president’s policies, then you’re essentially subverting the will of the voters,” said one unnamed former Trump administration official. “This change is about accountability and restoring democratic control.”
The concept of Schedule F is not entirely new. Trump attempted to implement it late in his first term through an executive order in October 2020. However, the incoming Biden administration quickly reversed the decision. Many believe Trump would reinstate this framework immediately if re-elected.
Beyond politics, the practical implications of this reclassification remain uncertain. Federal employee unions are expected to resist any such changes strongly. Lawsuits would likely follow, with labor groups arguing that these efforts violate long-standing protections enshrined in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.
Still, the proposal reflects broader debates about the size, influence, and role of the federal government. Trump’s remarks tap into long-standing Republican concerns that unelected bureaucrats hold too much power and are not sufficiently accountable to the public or their elected leaders.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Trump’s commentary offers a preview of his potential second-term agenda—one focused not only on policies but on the mechanics of governance itself. Whether viewed as necessary reform or dangerous overreach, the proposed reclassification of civil servants is sure to remain a contentious issue in the months ahead.