Executive Order EO 14356
Close Ensuring Continued Accountability in Federal Hiring Signed Donald Trump · Oct 15, 2025
Trump orders agencies to freeze most federal hiring and submit annual staffing plans aligned with administration priorities.
Does not apply to the White House, military, Senate-confirmed positions, national security and immigration enforcement roles, or Schedule C political appointees. Does not create new funding or legal authority.
What it does (9) Policies and Procedures to Govern Federal Hiring Blocks filling most vacant federal positions unless approved by agency Strategic Hiring Committee Requires agencies to prioritize hiring in national security, immigration enforcement, and public safety roles Mandates annual staffing plans and quarterly progress reports to Office of Personnel Management and Office of Management and Budget Exceptions Exempts White House staff, military, Senate-confirmed officials, and political appointees from hiring freeze Exempts national security, immigration enforcement, and public safety positions from hiring restrictions Allows Office of Personnel Management Director to grant further exemptions Report Requires report within 180 days on implementation and recommendations for modification or termination General Provisions Prohibits contracting outside government to work around the hiring freeze Allows reallocation of existing staff to highest-priority needs and essential services Read it on the Federal Register