WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump is targeting federal employees with less than “fully successful” performance ratings.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has requested details on these employees from federal agencies.
A memo sent Thursday asks for information covering the past three years. Agencies must submit the requested data by March 7.
Requested Information
OPM wants employees’ names, job titles, pay plans, grades, and duty stations. Agencies must also report improvement plans completed.
Additionally, officials must disclose whether any disciplinary actions were taken. The memo seeks details on ongoing employee appeals.
Agencies must report whether workers challenged performance actions before the Merit Systems Protection Board or other authorities.
OPM also wants to know about policies or regulations that limit performance-based terminations.
Workforce Overhaul
The request aligns with Trump’s broader effort to reshape the federal workforce. His administration seeks to remove low-performing employees.
Trump has prioritized making it easier to fire career policy staff. The administration argues this will improve government efficiency.
Reforms also target workers involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Some departments face reductions in such positions.
The administration has also introduced a deferred resignation package. This allows certain workers to leave voluntarily with benefits.
Performance Standards
The OPM memo states that this data will help establish new evaluation metrics. These standards align with Trump’s executive orders.
Officials aim to ensure agencies can effectively assess employee performance. OPM says the goal is a more accountable workforce.
The administration also wants agencies to remove barriers preventing quick terminations. OPM seeks to streamline firing procedures.
Trump’s team argues that current policies protect underperformers. They claim these changes will hold employees to higher standards.
Political Response
Critics say this could be a move to target political opponents. They argue it weakens career federal employees’ job security.
Supporters claim the changes promote efficiency and accountability. They argue taxpayers deserve a well-performing workforce.
Unions and advocacy groups are expected to challenge some measures. Legal battles may arise over civil service protections.
As agencies prepare to meet the March 7 deadline, the federal workforce faces uncertainty. Many await further guidance from OPM.
