Ensuring Accountability and Prioritizing Public Safety in Federal Hiring

The order directs federal agencies to halt the filling of vacant civilian positions and the creation of new ones through October 15, 2025, except as otherwise specified or required by law. This directive applies to all executive departments and agencies, with exceptions for military personnel, positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, public safety, and the Executive Office of the President. The hiring process should align with the Merit Hiring Plan issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on May 29, 2025. The OPM Director may grant exemptions where necessary, and agencies are prohibited from contracting outside the federal government to circumvent this policy.