Trump establishes a new list, 'Schedule G,' for increasing political appointees within senior positions of federal agencies

In a move aimed at expanding political appointees within the executive branch, President Trump issued an executive order on July 18, which creates a new classification known as Schedule G. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), appointed by President Trump, will be responsible for issuing regulations for Schedule G requirements.

The order is part of Trump's effort to establish a tighter grip on the executive branch. The new positions, intended to fill a gap in federal appointments, are particularly aimed at the Veterans Affairs Department. These roles are expected to enhance government efficiency, accountability, and improve services to taxpayers, according to the White House.

The Order Continues a Pattern of Politicization

The creation of Schedule G has been met with criticism from various quarters. Don Moynihan, a professor at University of Michigan's Ford School of Public Policy, agrees that the executive order is an attempt to strip career experts of influence within federal agencies. Moynihan also noted that the order opens space at the top ranks of government for Trump loyalists as policymakers, with no limit on hires.

Max Stier, president of the Partnership for Public Service, stated that Schedule G would make the system more confusing. Stier also believes that adding more political appointees will negatively impact effective, stable service delivery. He further expressed concerns about the potential redundancies created by the new appointment category.

Applicants for Schedule G positions will be chosen based on their suitability as supporters of the president's agenda. Agencies cannot take into consideration an applicant's political affiliation when hiring for Schedule G positions. However, it is not immediately clear if the pay cap of $195,200, which OPM encouraged agencies to consider for attracting Schedule C employees, will apply to Schedule G appointees.

The White House Boasts of Dismantling the Deep State

The White House boasted that Schedule G's creation is the latest effort to deliver on Trump's promise to dismantle the deep state and reclaim the government from Washington corruption. However, Stier also said that the Trump administration failed to engage with experts, which could lead to ineffective policymaking.

OPM's guidance also removed career human resources staff from the process of vetting Schedule C appointees, onboarding them, and setting their pay. This shift could potentially lead to a lack of oversight and accountability in the hiring process for Schedule G positions.

The new positions created by the order will be filled in policy-making or policy-advocating roles. The order continues a pattern of politicization, as stated by Don Moynihan. The new Schedule G classification is another attempt by the administration to further politicize the federal workforce, according to Stier.

The Future of Schedule G

Appointments to Schedule G positions are expected to lapse at the end of a presidential administration. This temporary nature of the positions raises questions about the long-term impact on the federal workforce and the stability of government policies.

In April, OPM issued guidance that encouraged agencies to consider offering the maximum salary of $195,200 to attract Schedule C employees. It remains to be seen if this pay cap will apply to Schedule G appointees, and how it might impact the competition for these positions.

As the implementation of Schedule G unfolds, it is crucial to monitor its impact on the federal workforce, government policies, and the delivery of services to the American public.

Trump establishes a new list, 'Schedule G,' for increasing political appointees within senior positions of federal agencies