Executive Order 14356: Ensuring Continued Accountability in Federal Hiring

Issued on October 15, 2025, Executive Order 14356 directs sweeping changes to federal hiring policies aimed at streamlining the civilian workforce and reinforcing accountability. The order mandates that no federal position may be filled or created without approval under strict merit and strategic review processes. It establishes Strategic Hiring Committees across agencies, requires Annual Staffing Plans coordinated with OPM and OMB, and prioritizes hiring in areas like national security, immigration enforcement, and public safety. These measures are intended to sustain workforce reductions while ensuring mission-critical staffing aligns with the administration’s policy priorities.