This story originally was published by Real Clear Wire
By Philip Wegmann
Real Clear Wire
In a notable shift within the federal bureaucracy, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is rolling out a comprehensive training initiative aimed at those eyeing a position in the coveted Senior Executive Service (SES) — the elite cadre of government employees who sit just below presidential appointees in the hierarchy.
According to an OPM memo first reported by RealClearPolitics, the curriculum is steeped in the U.S. Constitution, the “Founding ideals of our government,” and notably, President Trump’s executive orders. This new program, which requires a hefty 80 hours of video training followed by two days of in-person sessions in Washington, D.C., is set to go live this September. Its stated purpose is to ensure that SES officials “uphold the Constitution and the rule of law while effectively serving the American people.”
This initiative represents the latest chapter in the administration’s ongoing battle against what it perceives as an unaccountable administrative state. Trump has been aggressively reshaping federal agencies since his return to office, with a focus on the SES — typically a low-profile group, yet one wielding substantial influence over federal operations. To some on the right, this group resembles the Praetorian Guard of a bureaucratic regime that seemed to obstruct Trump during his first term, frustrating his efforts to implement his agenda.
“Either the Deep State destroys America,” Trump proclaimed during a major rally for his latest campaign, “or we destroy the Deep State.” This stark dichotomy frames the administration’s view of governance, as echoed by tech magnate Elon Musk, who questioned the meaning of democracy if the bureaucracy holds sway. The White House has made it clear: it is on a mission to dismantle the so-called deep state.
To achieve this, Trump has already stripped SES employees of their civil service protections, imposed new performance criteria, and dismissed many during his initial 100 days in office. Now, the administration is seeking a new breed of civil servants who align with Trump’s vision of executive authority.
Thus, the training program emerges, accompanied by what the OPM memo refers to as “new Executive Core Qualifications.” Out are the diversity, equity, and inclusion metrics; in are assessments based on merit, competence, and a “dedication to our Nation’s Founding ideals.”
The memo defines these qualifications within the context of the rule of law, emphasizing “upholding the principles of the American Founding, including equality under the law and democratic self-government.” This focus on foundational ideals is particularly timely, coinciding with preparations for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, amidst a backdrop of intense national debate over the meaning of those very ideals.
The memo also outlines a streamlined hiring process, eliminating lengthy narrative essays and capping resumes at two pages. Perhaps the most striking change mandates that a majority of non-career federal employees be added to Executive Review Boards responsible for managing senior civil servants. This is pitched as a move towards democratization, ensuring that the implementation of the President’s policies remains central in agency decision-making.
This article was originally published by RealClearPolitics and made available via RealClearWire.
