Federal Agencies Implement New Hiring Guidance Following Presidential Order

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) have issued new guidance aimed at overhauling federal hiring practices, emphasizing mission-driven, cost-effective decisions aligned with national needs. This move follows a recent Executive Order (EO) from President Donald Trump, specifically EO 14356, "Ensuring Continued Accountability in Federal Hiring," signed on October 15, 2025.

Scott Kupor, identified as the Director of OPM, announced the development on social media, stating, > "Thanks to a recent EO from @POTUS, today @USOPM and @WHOMB are raising the bar for federal hiring. With this new guidance we’re making sure every hiring decision is mission-driven, cost-effective and aligned with the needs of the America." The guidance, co-signed by OMB Director Russell T. Vought, was issued on November 5, 2025.

The new directive mandates the establishment of Strategic Hiring Committees within each federal agency by November 17, 2025. These committees, which must include the deputy agency head and chief of staff, are tasked with approving all vacancy creations or fillings, ensuring alignment with national interests and administration priorities. The guidance stresses that these committees should not merely rubber-stamp recommendations but exercise independent judgment.

Agencies are also required to develop and submit Annual Staffing Plans, in coordination with OPM and OMB, to ensure new career appointments target high-need areas and critical mission objectives. These plans, due by December 1, 2025, must outline strategies for improving operational efficiency, eliminating unnecessary positions, and reducing contractor reliance. Quarterly updates will track progress against these plans.

This guidance builds upon earlier directives, including Executive Order 14170, "Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service," issued on January 20, 2025. The administration's broader goal, as outlined in the November 5 memorandum, is to "improve government efficiency, restore government accountability, and eliminate waste, bloat, and insularity," continuing efforts to reduce the federal workforce while prioritizing national security, immigration enforcement, and public safety roles.