Overview

• The guidelines require civil service applicants to answer four 200-word essays on patriotism and support for executive orders, with candidates certifying they did not use AI assistance.
• The Office of Personnel Management defends the questions as lawful under presidential authority, rejecting accusations that they create an unconstitutional loyalty test.
• All federal workers will undergo continuous vetting for “trustworthiness” and must agree to post-appointment conduct checks to maintain their positions.
• More than 100,000 career employees have been removed since January, and the administration plans further cuts to make room for loyalist hires.
• Former HR officials, political scientists and public service groups warn the changes politicize hiring and undermine the nonpartisan, merit-based civil service.