Trump Moves to Restructure Federal Workforce with Sweeping Orders

The U.S. president's early actions in his second term aim to expand political control over federal agencies, triggering legal challenges and concerns about democratic norms.

• 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.

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