The Biden administration has initiated a new regulation designed to protect US civil servants from potential large-scale dismissals, a response to the controversial ‘Schedule F’ rule introduced by former President Donald Trump. Announced as a safeguard against future attempts to reclassify federal employees—thereby stripping them of their civil service protections—this regulation comes as a direct countermeasure to Trump’s 2020 executive order, which President Joe Biden revoked upon entering the office. The administration’s new regulations, which are to be enacted in May, aim to fortify the protections for roles that are ‘confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating’, thus making such employees less vulnerable to removal.

Highlighting the significance of these protections, President Biden stated that they are essential for combating corruption and preventing partisan interference, thereby enabling civil servants to dedicate themselves to serving the US population without fear of unjust termination. The regulations introduce a procedural framework that allows employees to appeal against reclassification decisions, offering a layer of security against arbitrary dismissals.

Officials and union leaders have voiced support for these protective measures. Rob Shriver, Deputy Director of the Office of Personnel Management, underscored that the regulations not only align with congressional objectives but also strengthen the existing civil service statues. Similarly, Everett Kelley from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), along with Doreen Greenwald of the National Treasury Employees Union, have expressed approval, emphasizing the regulation’s role in safeguarding civil service rights and preventing the politicization of federal agencies.

Critics of Trump’s Schedule F order had raised concerns about its potential to undermine the nonpartisan nature of the civil service, thus jeopardizing the stability and integrity of governmental operations. The introduction of these new rules by the Biden administration is thus seen by many, including groups advocating for ethical government and several liberal think tanks, as a vital step in maintaining democracy and protecting federal employees from political vendettas. The final rule, detailed in a 237-page document, reinforces the administration’s commitment to upholding civil service protections across all levels of government employment.