Overview

• President Trump signed executive orders reclassifying a significant portion of federal employees as 'political' appointees, making them easier to dismiss.
• The administration has already removed or sidelined hundreds of federal workers, including 160 National Security Council staff, for loyalty reviews under the 'America First' agenda.
• Diversity officer roles in federal agencies have been suspended, with plans to eliminate these positions entirely, drawing criticism from advocates for workplace equity.
• A federal hiring freeze has been implemented, excluding the military and essential services, with Trump citing a need for 'competent' and 'loyal' employees.
• Legal experts and unions have raised alarms about the potential erosion of governmental neutrality and threats to democratic checks and balances under the new policies.