Governance & Risk Management,
Government,
Industry Specific
Establishment of ‘Schedule F’ Remains a Key Objective for Trump Administration
The inauguration of President Donald Trump has reignited discussions around his proposed policies from his first term, particularly those aimed at altering federal employment practices. His intentions potentially threaten workforce stability, as federal unions and experts express concerns that diminishing civil service protections may compromise national security.
Key among these policies is the controversial reclassification of federal employees under “Schedule F,” which could remove longstanding job protections. Critics argue that this executive order is designed to replace nonpartisan civil servants with politically aligned personnel. In reaction, the Biden administration initiated a rule in April 2024 to reinforce civil service protections, aiming to prevent future reclassification efforts.
Russel Vought, Trump’s nominee for the Office of Management and Budget, indicated in a November interview that reinstating Schedule F will be a top priority, asserting its necessity for enhancing presidential control over federal agencies. Proponents of this classification argue that it would streamline the dismissal of underperforming employees, which they claim is essential for effective governance.
According to the National Treasury Employees Union, the implications of implementing Schedule F could jeopardize over 50,000 federal positions, including vital roles in cybersecurity and IT. Union President Doreen Greenwald highlighted potential adverse effects on federal agencies’ capabilities to develop and secure technological systems, particularly with the ongoing threats posed by cyber adversaries.
While cybersecurity personnel may largely remain unaffected due to lower seniority levels, experts such as Mark Montgomery warn of the broader consequences of politicizing high-level federal roles. Montgomery articulated his concerns regarding any changes that seem politically motivated and their potential impact on the effectiveness of national security strategies.
The implementation of Schedule F is perceived by labor union leaders as a threat to agency operations, possibly deteriorating crucial intelligence-sharing collaborations with international partners and private sector entities. Steve Lenkart, executive director of the National Federal of Federal Employees, emphasized that these initiatives signal a move to undermine civil service safeguards, raising alarms over the possible erosion of democratic principles.
During a recent Senate hearing, former acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke stated that the drawbacks of the Schedule F initiative could far outweigh any perceived benefits, citing risks to the effectiveness of national security policies. She raised concerns over the unknown consequences that may arise from such significant structural changes.
Currently, the precise nature of positions that might fall under this new classification remains unclear, with the Office of Personnel Management not yet confirming a timeline for reverting the previous administration’s protective measures. As the Trump administration considers its options, the urgency to make swift changes in federal employment practices continues to grow, amidst fears of destabilizing the workforce and further complicating national security efforts.
Reporting includes contributions from Information Security Media Group’s David Perera in Washington, D.C.
