MEMORANDUM FOR THE LEADERS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
SUBJECT: Accountability and Public Safety in Federal Hiring Practices
Under the authority granted to me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, I hereby establish the following guidelines for the hiring of Federal civilian employees within the Executive Branch, effective until October 15, 2025. No currently vacant Federal civilian position may be filled, nor may any new positions be created, unless otherwise specified in this memorandum or mandated by applicable law. Furthermore, all hiring must adhere to the Merit Hiring Plan issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on May 29, 2025, in accordance with Executive Order 14170, dated January 20, 2025 (Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service).
This policy is applicable to all executive departments and agencies, irrespective of their funding sources for operations and programs.
However, this memorandum does not extend to military personnel of the Armed Forces, positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety, nor does it apply to the Executive Office of the President or its components. Positions within these specified categories are exempt from OPM review. Additionally, this memorandum shall not hinder the provision of Social Security, Medicare, or veterans’ healthcare and benefits. The Director of OPM retains the authority to grant exemptions from this policy when deemed necessary. The following process will apply to (1) each executive department and (2) each independent establishment authorized by OPM: hires that have received written approval from the executive department or independent establishment head, the chief of staff, or a presidential appointee may proceed one business day after such approval is communicated to OPM. Previously granted exemptions by OPM will remain in effect unless revoked by OPM. For clarity, the term “executive department” refers to a department identified in section 101 of title 5, United States Code, while “independent establishment” is defined in section 104(1) of title 5, United States Code.
Attempting to contract outside the Federal Government to bypass the intent of this memorandum is strictly forbidden.
In implementing this memorandum, agency leaders should focus on the efficient allocation of existing personnel and resources to enhance public services and their delivery. Therefore, this memorandum does not restrict the reassignment or reallocation of staff to address priority needs, ensure the continuation of essential services, and safeguard national security, homeland security, and public safety.
Moreover, this memorandum does not impede the nomination and appointment of officials for positions requiring Presidential appointment or Senate confirmation. It also does not restrict the appointment of officials to non-career roles in the Senior Executive Service or positions under Schedule A or C in the Excepted Service, nor does it limit hiring through temporary organization hiring authority as per section 3161 of title 5, United States Code. Any other non-career employees or officials can still be appointed with the approval of the agency head or another official appointed by the President. Additionally, hiring limitations are not enforced where such restrictions would conflict with applicable law.
This memorandum does not nullify any existing collective bargaining agreements that were in effect on the date of this memorandum.
DONALD J. TRUMP
