WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on Monday introducing sweeping reforms to the federal hiring process, aiming to prioritize merit, efficiency, and adherence to constitutional principles across government agencies.
The order, titled “Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service,” directs the development of a new Federal Hiring Plan to attract highly skilled candidates dedicated to “American ideals, values, and interests.” The plan mandates improvements in hiring efficiency, communication with candidates, and the use of modern technology to streamline recruitment.
Among its directives, the order prohibits hiring based on race, sex, or religion and discourages the recruitment of individuals perceived as unwilling to uphold constitutional values. The plan also incorporates elements of the Chance to Compete Act of 2024, requiring technical and alternative assessments to evaluate candidates’ practical skills.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has been tasked with establishing performance metrics to evaluate the success of the reforms and ensuring agency compliance. Departments must reduce hiring timelines to under 80 days and involve leadership in the recruitment process to ensure accountability.