Trump Administration Designates Hundreds of Thousands of Federal Workers as At-Will Employees in Sweeping Executive Order
Washington, D.C. – September 23, 2023 – The Trump administration issued a landmark executive order on Friday, reclassifying a significant portion of the federal civilian workforce as at-will employees, effectively removing long-standing civil service job protections. The directive, which targets workers in policy-related roles across numerous agencies, allows for streamlined firing and hiring processes. This move, framed by the White House as a measure to enhance governmental efficiency and accountability, has drawn immediate and sharp criticism from union representatives and Democratic lawmakers, who argue it undermines merit-based employment and threatens institutional independence. The order is expected to face legal challenges, with opponents citing potential violations of the Pendleton Act.