TThe Trump administration has finalized a controversial rule that makes it easier to fire certain career federal employees. Critics warn it could politicize the civil service. The new Schedule Policy/Career classification exempts tens of thousands of federal employees in policy-influencing roles from long-standing civil service protections.

What is Schedule Policy/Career?

On Thursday, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a final rule establishing the Schedule Policy/Career classification. This policy targets career federal employees who influence policy, making it easier for agencies to fire them for poor performance or perceived partisan behavior.

Key changes include:

• Loss of appeal rights to the Merit Systems Protection Board.
• No ability to challenge reclassification, though claims of discrimination or retaliation can still be filed in court.
• Agencies can now handle whistleblower retaliation investigations independently, instead of relying on the Office of Special Counsel.

Administration’s Justification

Trump administration officials say Schedule Policy/Career will:

1. Improve employee accountability
2. Address performance management challenges
3. Prevent partisanship in official duties

“You can’t run an organization if people are refusing to carry out lawful objectives and orders of the administration,” said OPM Director Scott Kupor.

The rule follows a proposed regulation from April 2025. Despite over 40,000 public comments, about 94% opposed the rule, citing concerns about politicization and threats to merit-based civil service.

Opposition from Lawmakers and Advocacy Groups

Critics argue that Schedule Policy/Career threatens the non-partisan nature of the federal workforce:

• Democracy Forward called the rule unlawful and politically motivated, warning it could remove employees who oppose political priorities.
• Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) vowed to fight the rule in Congress and the courts.
• Federal unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees, say the rule removes procedural safeguards against retaliation.

“This new designation can remove expert career federal employees who put the law and public service ahead of blind loyalty,” said Max Stier, president of the Partnership for Public Service.

Historical Context: Schedule F Revival

Schedule Policy/Career is widely seen as a revival of Schedule F, a similar policy from Trump’s first term that was mostly unimplemented. The Biden administration rescinded Schedule F in 2021.

The new rule also removes Biden-era protections from April 2024, allowing agencies to start reclassifying employees.

What’s Next for Federal Employees?

• Agencies will compile lists of positions to reclassify over the next 30 days.
• President Trump will decide which positions are affected.
• Legal challenges are expected, with advocacy groups already preparing to sue the administration.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Federal Workforce Protections

The Schedule Policy/Career rule represents a major shift in federal employment policy. It reduces procedural protections for career employees and may increase political influence in the civil service. While supporters say it ensures accountability, critics warn it undermines merit-based governance and politicizes essential government functions. Legal battles and congressional actions are likely as opponents fight to protect civil service protections.