Washington, D.C. — Official Release: President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on October 15, 2025, tightening restrictions on federal hiring as part of his Administration’s ongoing effort to reduce the size of the federal workforce.
The order directs all executive branch agencies to halt the creation or filling of civilian positions unless specifically authorized by law or approved under new administrative procedures. It builds upon Executive Order 14210, issued in February, which established the “Department of Government Efficiency” initiative.
According to the President, the Administration’s previous efforts “dramatically reduced the size of the Federal workforce,” achieving a ratio of four employee departures for every new hire. Trump said the new order would “protect and expand upon these historic improvements” while prioritizing positions in “national security, immigration enforcement, and public safety.”
Under the directive, every agency must create a Strategic Hiring Committee within 30 days to review and approve any proposed hiring. Agencies must also submit annual staffing plans and quarterly updates to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The order exempts positions tied to immigration enforcement, national security, public safety, and military personnel. It also prohibits the use of outside contracting to circumvent the hiring restrictions.
A joint report from OPM and OMB is due to the President within 180 days assessing the policy’s impact and recommending whether any provisions should be modified or terminated.
The order emphasizes that it should not disrupt essential services such as Social Security, Medicare, or veterans’ benefits.
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