The Trump administration has put forth a rule through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that aims to reclassify tens of thousands of career civil servants as “at-will” employees, making it easier to dismiss them from their positions. This move is part of a broader initiative to streamline the federal government and enhance control over it. President Trump and his supporters, including Elon Musk, have expressed a desire to dismantle what they refer to as government bureaucracy or the “deep state,” alleging the presence of corrupt and non-existent workers without substantiating these claims. The administration argues that having the flexibility to appoint individuals aligned with its policies and dismiss those who do not comply is essential.

The proposed rule would impact around 2% of federal workers by reclassifying certain positions under a new category known as Schedule Policy/Career. The White House emphasizes that these roles do not require personal or political support for the President but necessitate the faithful implementation of laws and administration policies. The American Federation of Government Employees has filed a lawsuit opposing this action, asserting that it undermines the merit-based hiring system and the professional civil service vital to the nation.

In line with this effort, Trump has been implementing significant changes across the federal government, including agency closures and large-scale terminations. Notably, he has removed government officials deemed disloyal, such as Justice Department personnel involved in investigations related to him. The administration’s actions are part of a broader strategy to reshape the federal workforce and enhance accountability within government operations.