The Trump administration has been busy issuing directives to federal agencies, aiming to reshape government operations. Recent memos from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) address return-to-office procedures, a pause on federal grants and loans, and a new employee classification system.

Return to Office Mandate

A joint OMB-OPM memo mandates that federal agencies submit plans by February 7th outlining their strategies for a full return to in-person work. These plans must detail how telework agreements will be revised, provide timelines for employees' return, and outline exception processes for those with disabilities or medical conditions.

This directive follows President Trump's criticism of remote work and a day-one executive order calling for its termination, with necessary exemptions determined by agency heads.

Halt on Federal Funding

Another OMB memo directs a temporary pause on all federal grants and loans, starting Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET. This move aims to curtail "wokeness" and promote government efficiency, focusing resources on administration priorities such as strengthening national security, easing inflation, and bolstering American energy and manufacturing. The memo criticizes the use of federal funds for "Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies." Agencies are required to submit detailed information on affected programs to the OMB by February 10th.

New Employee Classification: Schedule Policy/Career

A third memo, issued by the OPM, directs agencies to review positions for potential reclassification under the new "Schedule Policy/Career" category. This classification targets policy-influencing roles and aims to reduce civil service protections for these employees, making them easier to terminate. Agencies have until April 20th to submit their plans for this reclassification process.

These directives represent a significant shift in federal government operations and reflect the Trump administration's focus on reshaping the federal workforce and its priorities.