Donald Trump, Melania and son Barron arrive at Dulles International Airport, Virginia, January 18, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
Trump’s Incoming Administration Plans Sweeping Changes to Federal Workforce
Push to Restructure Federal Employment
President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to implement significant changes within the federal government upon taking office, aiming to dismantle what his allies describe as the “deep state.” According to sources familiar with the plans, these efforts could commence on Trump’s first day as president, including an executive order to reclassify federal positions under “Schedule F,” enabling agencies to replace career employees with political appointees.
The proposed changes may affect an estimated 50,000 career federal workers, stripping them of job protections. Trump’s team is also focused on swiftly filling thousands of political appointments across government agencies to embed loyalists into the federal workforce.
Targeting Bureaucratic Resistance
Trump and his allies have accused career federal employees of obstructing his policy initiatives during his first term. Notable figures in his incoming administration, such as Russell Vought, nominated to lead the Office of Management and Budget, and James Sherk, one of the architects of Schedule F, have voiced support for these reforms.
Sherk previously authored a report outlining instances where he claimed federal bureaucrats undermined Trump’s first-term agenda. Other high-profile appointees, including Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi and Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, have also signaled alignment with the administration’s vision.
Criticism and Legal Concerns
Opponents, including unions representing federal workers, have criticized the proposed reforms as an attempt to politicize the federal workforce. James Eisenmann, an expert on federal employment, warned that the changes could create a culture of fear and silence within government agencies.
“People are going to be afraid to speak up or even suggest something helpful out of fear of getting fired,” Eisenmann said.
Steve Lenkart, executive director of the National Federation of Federal Workers, described Schedule F as a mechanism to establish “a secret police” within the federal government. He argued that the policy would subject career employees to political loyalty tests and lead to mass firings.
Administration’s Defense
Trump’s transition team has dismissed concerns about politicization, stating the goal is to ensure the government is staffed with individuals aligned with the administration’s priorities. “The Trump Administration will have a place for people serving in government who are committed to defending the rights of the American people, putting America first, and ensuring the best use of working men and women’s tax dollars,” said spokesperson Brian Hughes.
Implementation and Confirmation Hearings
Vought and Bondi defended the policies during their Senate confirmation hearings, with Vought emphasizing the need for federal employees who support the president’s agenda. Bondi cited perceived partisanship within the Justice Department as justification for the reforms but avoided direct questions about politically motivated investigations.
Identifying Potential Targets
Efforts to identify federal employees whose views may conflict with the administration have reportedly begun. For instance, the American Accountability Foundation, a conservative watchdog group, has flagged military leaders and career employees at agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department for alleged resistance to Trump’s policy goals.
Broader Implications
If enacted, these reforms could significantly reshape the federal government’s structure and operations, raising questions about the balance between political oversight and career expertise within public administration. Critics and supporters alike anticipate contentious debates as the administration seeks to implement its vision.
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