Schedule F returns: Rule could reclassify 50,000 federal employees

Key Update

The Trump administration announced a civil-service overhaul that would allow reclassifying roles and removing job protections for up to 50,000 career federal employees under "Schedule F."

Details

The change is aimed at employees considered to influence policy. It also alters how whistleblower protections are handled—shifting more responsibility to agencies.

Background

"Schedule F" has been tied to efforts to expand political control over parts of the federal workforce, with critics warning it undermines nonpartisan civil service norms.

Why It Matters

If implemented broadly, it could reshape agency expertise, internal dissent protections, and whistleblower safety—while triggering major court battles that could disrupt federal operations.