President Trump issued a memorandum on Thursday extending the suspension of employment for new federal workers until July 15th.
“The current vacant federal civilian positions cannot be created unless otherwise provided in this memorandum or required by applicable law,” Trump wrote in a memo to the head of the agency.
The President conducted a hiring freeze on January 20th, the first day of his second term, as part of his efforts to scale the government and implement a “Merit Employment Plan” for federal agencies.
The freeze does not apply to positions related to military personnel or immigration enforcement, national security or public safety.
The White House is also exempt from hiring moratoriums.
“It is prohibited to make contracts outside the federal government to avoid the intent of this memorandum,” Trump warned.
The president also asked the Agency Head to “consider the efficient use of existing personnel and funds to improve public services and the provision of those services during the suspension.
“Therefore, this memorandum does not prohibit reallocation or reallocation to meet the needs of top priorities. It maintains critical services and protects national, homeland and public safety,” the memo continued.
Once the employment freeze expires, “an agency can hire no more than one in all four employees who will quit federal services (with the exception of proper immigration, law enforcement and public safety),” the White House said in a statement.
The White House described the Freeze expansion as “an important step towards reducing the federal government and effectively using taxpayer dollars.”
“President Trump is committed to reverse this trend by prioritizing private sector employment growth and focusing on the essential functions of federal workers,” the White House said.
For months after the initial suspension, the Trump administration has launched thousands of government officials at several federal agencies, including the Department of Education, the Department of International Development, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
