U.S. President Donald J. Trump has signed a new executive order titled “Ensuring Continued Accountability in Federal Hiring”, aimed at tightening control over federal employment and maintaining the sharp workforce reductions achieved under his administration.
According to the order, issued on October 15, 2025, no federal civilian position may be filled or newly created unless it complies with the guidelines established by the White House and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The move follows the administration’s earlier directive that achieved a ratio of four federal employee departures for every new hire.
Each federal agency will now be required to form a Strategic Hiring Committee—consisting of senior officials including the deputy agency head and chief of staff—to review and approve all hiring decisions. Agencies must also submit Annual Staffing Plans and quarterly updates to OPM and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure alignment with national priorities and efficiency goals.
The order includes several exceptions, such as positions related to national security, immigration enforcement, public safety, military service, and non-career appointments requiring presidential or Senate approval.
It further prohibits agencies from contracting external personnel as a way to bypass hiring restrictions, emphasizing that the federal workforce must remain “optimally staffed to meet critical mission needs.”
A joint report by OPM and OMB is expected within 180 days, evaluating the implementation of the order and recommending any necessary adjustments.
Trump stated that these measures are intended to “protect and expand upon historic improvements” in government efficiency while ensuring that federal employment “serves the American people and the national interest.”
The executive order took effect immediately upon signature.
