Partnership for Public Service statement on executive order calling for reductions in force and hiring limits

February 11, 2025

The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today released the following statement from President and CEO Max Stier in response to the President Donald Trump’s latest executive order calling on agencies to pursue large-scale reductions in force and institute limits on hiring after the current hiring freeze expires: 

“Today’s executive order is the kind of arbitrary management approach that may create a smaller federal workforce but certainly will not create a smaller or more effective government. 

“The federal workforce is about the same size as it was in 1969 and as a proportion of the overall population it is substantially smaller. Roughly 80% of the federal workforce is located outside the D.C. metropolitan area, meaning these cuts will be felt in communities across the country, including in states like Texas, Florida and Pennsylvania that are each home to tens of thousands of federal workers. About 30% of the federal workforce are veterans, meaning those who have served our country in two vital ways stand to be affected. 

“These reductions will deplete our government of critical expertise, rob it of the capacity to respond quickly to public needs and make us less secure at home and around the world, all at increased cost to the taxpayers. It will result in worse public services, from food safety and airport screenings to weather forecasts and care for veterans. Every American will feel the impacts. 

“Congress sets the purpose and parameters of federal agencies and Congress’ voice should be heard here before such dramatic action is taken that will likely undermine the core functions of these organizations. 

“There is no question that our government needs significant reform, but the choices being made through this executive order are taking us in the wrong direction.” 

During the past 24 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has been dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We work across administrations to help transform the way government works by providing agencies with the data insights they need to succeed, developing effective leaders, inspiring the next generation to public service, facilitating smooth presidential transitions and recognizing exceptional federal employees.   

Visit ourpublicservice.org, follow us @PublicService and subscribe today to get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership programs and events, and more.        

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