Federal Hiring Reform (E.O. 14170)

Summary

Changes how the federal government hires people to focus on skills and American values, not things like race or a person's views on 'equity'.

What problem does this solve?

Current federal hiring methods are seen as broken and outdated, focusing on factors other than skill and dedication. This order creates a new Federal Hiring Plan to make the process more efficient and based on merit and American ideals.

What does this order do?

Creates a new Federal Hiring Plan

Requires the development of a government-wide hiring plan to recruit highly skilled Americans who are dedicated to American ideals and values.

Prohibits hiring based on certain factors

Prevents hiring individuals based on race, sex, or religion. Also prevents hiring based on a person's commitment to 'equity' or 'gender identity'.

Prioritizes specific values in recruitment

Focuses recruitment on individuals who want to improve government efficiency, are passionate about American ideals, and are committed to the Constitution.

Reduces time-to-hire

Sets a goal to decrease the time it takes to hire a new federal employee to under 80 days.

Improves allocation of senior positions

Includes plans to improve how Senior Executive Service positions are assigned in major agencies to better support democratic leadership.

Establishes performance metrics

Directs the Office of Personnel Management to create clear metrics to measure the success of these hiring reforms and to regularly request analysis from agencies.

Who does this affect?

Federal government job applicants
Federal agencies
Current federal employees

What is the real world impact?

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Removes specific social policies from hiring

Prevents hiring decisions from being based on a candidate's commitment to concepts like 'equity' or 'gender identity,' which the order describes as impermissible factors.

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Shapes the federal workforce's ideology

Prioritizes hiring individuals who are passionate about 'American ideals' and committed to the Constitution. This could be seen as a way to ensure the federal workforce aligns with the administration's political views.

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Streamlines the federal hiring process

Aims to make hiring for government jobs faster and more efficient by setting a goal to hire candidates in under 80 days and using modern technology.

When does this start?

This order takes effect on January 20, 2025, and sets a deadline for creating a new federal hiring plan.

Federal Hiring Plan development

A new Federal Hiring Plan must be developed and sent to agency heads within 120 days of this order, by May 20, 2025.