Trump Reclassifies 8,000 Senior Government Positions, Making Them Easier to Fire

The order removes civil service protections for senior-level policy positions, making them more accountable for bad behavior, the administration said.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order during an event in the Oval Office of the White House on June 3, 2026. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

President Donald Trump reclassified about 8,000 federal positions on Jan. 3, moving them into a new employment category with fewer civil service protections.

By signing the executive order “Implementing Schedule Policy/Career in the Excepted Service,” Trump made it easier for employees in certain senior policy-making roles to be removed for poor performance.