Trump Administration
By Chris Williams
The Trump administration is set to move forward with a new rule, previously known as ‘Schedule F,’ designed to make it easier to remove federal employees who are perceived as undermining the President’s agenda. Now rebranded as ‘Schedule Policy/Career,’ this rule targets career government employees involved in policy-related roles, allowing for their swift dismissal if they fail to advance the President’s policy interests or engage in corrupt behavior. This announcement marks a significant step in President Donald J. Trump’s effort to increase accountability within the federal workforce.
What is the ‘Schedule F’ Rule?
The ‘Schedule F’ rule, originally introduced in 2020 and revived in 2025 as ‘Schedule Policy/Career,’ reclassifies federal employees in “confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating” positions. Under this classification, these workers—previously protected by civil service regulations—become at-will employees. This means they can be hired or fired without the usual lengthy adverse action procedures or appeal processes that safeguard federal workers. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) estimates that around 50,000 positions, roughly 2% of the federal workforce, could be affected, though the exact scope will be determined by a future executive order.
The rule aims to address what the Trump administration sees as a lack of accountability among career employees who resist or obstruct the President’s directives. The White House has stated that it will enable agencies to quickly remove employees in policy-influencing roles for poor performance, misconduct, corruption, or subversion of Presidential orders.
Trump’s Statement and Rationale
President Trump has presented the rule as a practical reform to eliminate corruption and ensure the federal government aligns with his agenda. In his own words:
“Following my Day One Executive Order, the Office of Personnel Management will be issuing new Civil Service Regulations for career government employees. Moving forward, career government employees, working on policy matters, will be classified as ‘Schedule Policy/Career,’ and will be held to the highest standards of conduct and performance. If these government workers refuse to advance the policy interests of the President, or are engaging in corrupt behavior, they should no longer have a job. This is common sense, and will allow the federal government to finally be ‘run like a business.’ We must root out corruption and implement accountability in our Federal Workforce!”
The administration points to instances from Trump’s first term, such as employees allegedly obstructing policy initiatives like Title IX regulations, as justification. They argue that such resistance from unelected bureaucrats undermines democracy and the will of the voters.
Potential Impact and Controversy
The rule could significantly reshape the federal workforce by increasing the number of at-will employees, potentially affecting job security for tens of thousands. Supporters say it will improve efficiency and responsiveness to the President’s policies. However, critics—including federal employee unions and legal experts—warn that it risks politicizing the civil service, replacing merit-based employment with a system favoring political loyalty. Unions like the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) have vowed to challenge the rule legally, arguing it violates civil service protections and due process rights.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 102 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Hope for Matjhabeng as Executive Mayor Khalipha Rolls Out Plan for Renewal After ANC Reinstatement”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Central-News-Issue-102.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube