Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025 - Hiring Freeze
A January 20, 2025 Presidential Memorandum freezes the hiring of federal civilian employees across the executive branch. No federal civilian position that was vacant as of noon on January 20, 2025 may be filled, and no new position may be created, unless allowed by this memorandum or other applicable law. The freeze applies to all executive departments and agencies, regardless of funding sources, unless otherwise exempted.
Read the memorandum as published in the Federal Register at 90 FR 8247 (January 28, 2025).
Exemptions
The freeze does not apply to military personnel of the armed forces. It also does not apply to positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety. The memorandum directs that implementation not "adversely impact the provision of Social Security, Medicare, or Veterans' benefits." The Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) may also grant exemptions if necessary.
Duration and Implementation
Within 90 days of the memorandum, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in consultation with the Director of OPM and the Administrator of the United States Digital Service (USDS), must submit a plan to reduce the federal workforce through efficiency improvements and attrition. Once this plan is issued, the freeze will expire for all executive departments and agencies except the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The memorandum remains in effect for IRS until the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with OMB and USDS, determines it is in the national interest to lift the IRS hiring freeze.
Additional Provisions
Using contractors to avoid the intent of the freeze is prohibited. Agencies should use existing personnel and funds efficiently to improve public services and service delivery. Reallocations may be made to meet top priorities, maintain essential services, and protect national and homeland security and public safety.
The freeze does not restrict nominations and appointments to positions requiring presidential appointment or Senate confirmation; appointments to non-career Senior Executive Service positions or Schedule A or C positions in the Excepted Service; temporary appointments under 5 U.S.C. § 3161; or other non-career positions if approved by agency leadership appointed by the President. The freeze also does not apply where it would conflict with applicable law.