April 17, 2025
President Donald J. Trump has announced an extension of the federal hiring freeze, extending the measure initially put in place on January 20, 2025, until July 15, 2025. The memorandum prohibits filling vacant federal civilian positions or creating new ones within the executive branch, unless exceptions as outlined in the memorandum or required by law are applicable.
The President stated, "By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby extend through July 15, 2025, the freeze on the hiring of Federal civilian employees within the executive branch."
This extension does not impact military personnel, positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, public safety, or the Executive Office of the President. There will be no adverse effect on the provision of Social Security, Medicare, or veterans' benefits. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) retains the authority to grant necessary exemptions to the freeze. Previous exemptions will remain unless revoked by the OPM.
The memorandum reinforces that contracting outside the federal government to evade its intent is prohibited. Agency heads are encouraged to efficiently use existing personnel and resources to improve public services, ensure national security, protect public safety, and meet priority needs.
"The heads of agencies shall seek efficient use of existing personnel and funds," the memorandum states. It also clarifies that it does not restrict Presidential appointments or Senate confirmations, among other specified positions.
The order remains effective for the Internal Revenue Service until the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the OMB Director and the United States DOGE Service Administrator, decides otherwise and publishes the decision in the Federal Register.
The hiring freeze is part of ongoing efforts under Executive Order 14210, pursuing workforce reductions via improved efficiency and attrition. Existing collective bargaining agreements will not be altered by this memorandum.
The hiring freeze initiative is part of broader federal efforts to streamline government operations while maintaining essential services to the public.
