On Feb. 5 the Trump administration finalized a major overhaul of the federal civil service, a government statement said. The rule gives the president expanded authority to hire and fire an estimated 50,000 career federal employees. Supporters call the change a reform to improve accountability; critics say it risks politicizing the federal workforce.
Trump Administration Finalizes Civil Service Overhaul, Expanding Presidential Authority
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 5, 2026. REUTERS/Al Drago
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 (Reuters) — The Trump administration on Thursday finalized a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. civil service system, a government statement said, granting the president new authority to hire and fire an estimated 50,000 career federal employees.
What Changed
The finalized rule restructures aspects of the federal personnel system to allow greater executive control over certain career positions. According to the government statement, the changes are intended to improve accountability and performance across the federal workforce.
Reactions And Context
Supporters describe the move as a necessary reform to reduce bureaucracy and hold underperforming employees accountable. Critics warn it could politicize the civil service by making career positions vulnerable to partisan dismissals.
Reporting by Courtney Rozen; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama.
Key Fact: The administration estimates the rule affects roughly 50,000 career federal employees.
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