Trump Administration Tightens Federal Hiring Control Amid Musk's Retirement

The Trump administration is taking steps to strengthen its control over the hiring and firing of federal employees, with a focus on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) within the government's human resources department. This move comes in the wake of Tesla CEO Elon Musk's announcement that he would be stepping back from Washington politics. The administration's actions include the dissolution of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the layoff of numerous FBI agents, and the reduction of personnel in public service departments. Additionally, investigations have been launched into the Pentagon and the Federal Reserve. These measures have sparked resentment among various factions, particularly in light of Trump's tariff policies, which have had a significant impact on industries and individuals, including Musk. The administration's efforts to tighten control over federal employment practices are seen as a response to the political and economic challenges posed by Musk's influence and the broader implications of his decisions.

In January, the OPM was fully taken over by the newly established government efficiency department (DOGE) under the Trump administration. Since then, high-level personnel from DOGE have been increasingly integrated into the OPM. With Musk's recent announcement of his retirement, DOGE is expected to undergo significant changes. According to former and current OPM employees, it is likely that the OPM will continue the work of reducing redundant personnel, a task previously led by Musk. The OPM's new role is expected to focus on streamlining the federal workforce and ensuring that employees align with the administration's policies and legal standards.

Recent reports indicate that the OPM, under the leadership of its acting director Chuck Ezell, will implement a "loyalty assessment" for high-level federal officials. This assessment will evaluate officials based on their adherence to legal regulations and presidential policies, with the primary goal of advancing the president's policy agenda. The new performance evaluation system will be mandatory for all federal agencies by the start of the 2026 fiscal year. Previously, federal employees were evaluated based on their business acumen, leadership skills, social and alliance-building abilities, and results. The new system will prioritize loyalty and alignment with the administration's goals.

The OPM has also begun directly approving requests for new positions within federal agencies, marking a significant policy shift. Previously, federal agencies had the autonomy to decide on their staffing needs. However, under the new system, the OPM will have the authority to determine which employees should be terminated based on their compliance with the office's defined "qualification standards." Agencies will be required to submit employee records to the OPM for review, further centralizing control over federal employment. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the OPM's oversight of federal employees, ensuring that those with criminal records, violent behavior, or dishonest conduct are swiftly removed from their positions. The administration's actions are seen as a proactive measure to address potential threats to national security and the integrity of federal operations.