Trump’s New ‘Schedule G’: Expanding Opportunities for Agencies to Hire Political Appointees

President Trump recently introduced a new class of federal employees with the aim of advancing his policy goals. This new category, called Schedule G, allows agencies to hire non-career staff specifically for tasks related to policy-making and advocacy.

The White House argues that existing positions don’t fully meet the administration’s needs for key policy roles. They believe Schedule G will enhance efficiency and accountability, ultimately improving services for taxpayers.

However, the details on how agencies will implement this new classification are still unclear. It’s seen as a way to streamline political appointments, particularly in departments like Veterans Affairs. Schedule G follows another category Trump created on his first day in office, known as Schedule Policy/Career. This category makes it easier to let go of employees by removing their civil service protections.

Experts have voiced strong opinions about these changes. Don Kettl, a professor emeritus at the University of Maryland, described the new order as giving the Trump administration “a blank check” for appointing political allies across the government. He emphasized this could drastically alter the structure of federal employment, which has remained relatively stable for over a century.

Traditionally, each U.S. president makes around 4,000 political appointments, including a notable portion through Schedule C positions. According to the Partnership for Public Service, about 1,550 of these roles are typically filled during a presidential term. Max Stier, the CEO of the Partnership, warns that Schedule G could complicate an already intricate system, threatening the apolitical nature of the federal workforce.

Moreover, concerns have arisen about the potential for “burrowing,” where political appointees might stay in government, creating instability and uncertainty. Already, the federal workforce has seen an exodus this year, with many employees leaving due to various pressures.

As Loren DeJonge Schulman, a former White House official, notes, these shifts risk diminishing the expertise and nonpartisan nature of the federal service. He emphasizes that such changes could hurt the long-term knowledge and continuity necessary for effective governance, regardless of which party holds the presidency.

In summary, while Schedule G may aim to enhance governmental operation, experts worry it could politicize an essential civil service that has traditionally functioned independently of political influence. The implications of these changes will likely unfold in the coming years, as the federal workforce continues to adapt to new pressures and dynamics.



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