Federal Hiring Freeze Extended: What Feds Need to Know

On July 7th, President Trump issued a memorandum extending the federal civilian hiring freeze until October 15, 2025. For GS-9 and above employees navigating an already shifting workplace, here’s what this policy means for your job security, advancement, and daily stress levels.

What the Freeze Actually Covers

Under this memo titled “Ensuring Accountability and Prioritizing Public Safety in Federal Hiring,” agencies cannot fill vacant civilian jobs or create new positions across the executive branch for the next hundred days. However, there are critical exemptions:

• Military personnel are unaffected.

• Immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety roles remain exempt.

• The Executive Office of the President operates outside the freeze.

• Programs delivering Social Security, Medicare, or VA healthcare benefits should continue without disruption, though the language is vague.

Waivers: A Narrow Path Forward

Agency heads, chiefs of staff, or presidential appointees can approve waivers to hire despite the freeze. Once these waivers reach OPM’s inbox, hiring may proceed after one business day—though OPM retains the authority to revoke waivers later. Existing exemptions remain valid unless formally withdrawn.

If you’re currently onboarding, ask HR whether your position is exempt or already has a signed waiver. Always request paper documentation, including the OPM timestamp, as proof of compliance.

The Merit Hiring Plan and Loyalty Screens

All waivers must align with OPM’s May 29th merit hiring plan issued under Executive Order 14170. This plan streamlines hiring to under 80 days and replaces self-ratings with validated skills tests. Troublingly, it also permits questions about favored executive orders—effectively creating a self-loyalty screening mechanism in certain roles.

No Contractor End-Runs

Agencies are barred from outsourcing work simply to bypass the hiring freeze. However, reassigning or “redetailing” current staff to keep essential operations running remains allowed. If you notice contractors being brought in to perform bargaining unit work, alert your union representative immediately.

Senior Political Appointees Remain Untouched

The freeze does not impact politically accepted hires, such as positions requiring Senate confirmation or non-career Senior Executive Service appointments.

Mindful Takeaway: Protect Yourself With Documentation

This freeze adds uncertainty to an already stressful environment. If your vacancy is canceled or you’re involuntarily reassigned, document every step. Such actions may trigger bargaining obligations or appeal rights under federal employment law. Taking calm, organized steps today protects your legal position tomorrow.

If you want deeper guidance on how hiring freezes, waivers, and reassignments affect your rights, our Power Hub membership includes in-depth templates, regulatory breakdowns, and stepwise legal self-checks to keep you grounded and prepared.

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.