Federal Govt Hiring Freeze Extended, with Stricter Limits to Follow

The federal govt hiring freeze has been officially extended until July 15, 2025, following an announcement from President Donald Trump. Initially introduced on his first day in office as a 90-day measure, the freeze has now been doubled in duration as part of the administration’s continued efforts to reduce the size and cost of the federal workforce.

During the federal govt hiring freeze, federal agencies are prohibited from filling or creating any new positions, with only a few exceptions for mission-critical roles. This move is intended to streamline government operations and promote accountability in federal spending.

However, even after the federal govt hiring freeze is lifted in mid-July, strict hiring restrictions will remain in place. Agencies will be allowed to hire only one new employee for every four who leave the civil service. This one-in-four policy is designed to gradually reduce the size of the federal workforce while allowing for essential staffing adjustments.

In a statement, the White House reiterated its broader goals:

“The American people elected President Trump to drain the swamp and end ineffective government programs that empower bureaucracy without delivering measurable results.”

President Trump further explained that the administration is focused on shifting emphasis to private-sector job growth and maintaining a leaner federal structure that focuses on core government functions.

“The extension of the hiring freeze is a critical step in shrinking the federal government and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently,” the White House added.

While most positions remain frozen, select exemptions are being evaluated for high-priority roles in national security, public health, and safety. Agencies are being encouraged to reassess their staffing strategies, plan for workforce reductions, and prepare for operational impacts due to limited recruitment flexibility.

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Key Exceptions and Guidelines of the Federal GOVT Hiring Freeze Memorandum

While the federal govt hiring freeze remains in effect until July 15, 2025, several important exceptions and clarifications have been outlined in the official memorandum:

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Who Is Not Affected by the federal govt hiring freeze

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• Military personnel in the Armed Forces
• Positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety
• The Executive Office of the President and its components
• Roles that support Social Security, Medicare, and veterans' benefits
• These categories are exempt from review by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

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OPM Exemptions

• The Director of OPM can continue to grant exemptions to the freeze where necessary.
• Any exemptions previously approved by OPM will remain in effect unless officially withdrawn.

Prohibited Actions

• Agencies cannot outsource work to private contractors in an effort to bypass the hiring freeze.

Flexibility Within Agencies

• Agencies are encouraged to reallocate or reassign existing staff to meet urgent needs and maintain essential services.
• This includes efforts to protect national security, homeland security, and public safety.

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Appointments That Are Still Allowed

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The hiring freeze does not restrict:

• Presidential or Senate-confirmed appointments
• Non-career roles in the Senior Executive Service (SES)
• Schedule A or C appointments in the Excepted Service
• Temporary hires under Title 5 U.S. Code § 3161
• Other non-career appointments approved by agency heads

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Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

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The freeze will remain in effect at the IRS until the Secretary of the Treasury—along with OMB and the U.S. DOGE Service—decides it's in the national interest to end it, and this is formally published in the Federal Register.

Post-Freeze Hiring Restrictions

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Even after the federal govt hiring freeze ends, agencies will face strict hiring limitations. Specifically, they will be allowed to hire only one new employee for every four who leave the civil service. This measure aims to reduce the overall size of the federal workforce.

Administration's Rationale

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The White House stated that these actions are part of efforts to "drain the swamp" and eliminate ineffective government programs. The goal is to create a more efficient government that delivers measurable results.

Implications for Federal Agencies

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Agencies will need to manage their operations with reduced staffing levels, potentially impacting service delivery and increasing workloads for remaining employees. Strategic planning will be essential to navigate these constraints.

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