The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has launched a new rule aimed at streamlining the process of removing federal workers who commit serious misconduct. The proposal, which went live for public comment on Monday, seeks to eliminate bureaucratic red tape that has previously hindered the termination of employees involved in misconduct. The OPM states that the rule is part of President Trump’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of the federal workforce by ensuring that individuals who engage in misconduct after being hired are subject to the same suitability procedures as applicants. This initiative, aligned with the ‘Implementing the Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative’ and the Presidential Memorandum ‘Strengthening the Suitability and Fitness of the Federal Workforce,’ aims to give federal agencies broader authority to address behaviors such as tax evasion, leaking sensitive information, and actions inconsistent with public trust.
Under the new rule, federal agencies will be able to refer specific cases to OPM requesting ‘suitability action’ for employees who are believed to have committed post-appointment conduct that deserves disciplinary action. The OPM emphasizes that the goal is to improve the efficiency, rigor, and timeliness of the vetting process for individuals who pose a risk to the integrity and efficiency of public service. Chuck Ezell, Acting Director of OPM, stated in a statement to Fox News Digital that the proposal ensures that misconduct is met with consequence and reinforces that public service is a privilege, not a right.
However, the change has raised questions about the balance between oversight and employee rights. Federal employees are currently protected by extensive due process rights, which often make the termination process cumbersome. Fox News Digital reported in 2023 that under current law, the vast majority of the federal workforce is not at-will and may only be terminated for misconduct, poor performance, medical inability, and reduction in force. Critics argue that the new rule may create a more expedited pathway for disciplinary action, potentially affecting the rights of government workers. Despite these concerns, the OPM maintains that the rule is necessary to uphold the integrity of public service and ensure that misconduct is addressed promptly and effectively.
As the rule is open for public comment, stakeholders and advocacy groups may weigh in on its potential impact. The OPM has invited input from the public to shape the final version of the rule, signaling a move toward a more transparent and participatory process. Nonetheless, the proposal is seen as a significant shift in the management of federal employees, reflecting a broader trend in the Trump administration’s focus on efficiency and accountability within the federal workforce.