A new presidential memorandum issued July 7 is hitting pause on most federal hiring—at least through October 15, 2025. While it may sound like just another hiring freeze, this one comes with some key carve-outs, a call for accountability, and a heavy emphasis on prioritizing public safety.
Here’s what it really means for federal agencies, job seekers, and the national security community.
A Federal Hiring Lockdown
In an effort to streamline government growth and refocus on public safety, the White House announced that no vacant federal civilian positions can be filled, and no new ones created—unless specifically exempted. This policy applies across the executive branch, regardless of funding source, and remains in effect until October 15.
But not every agency is on the sidelines. Hiring for immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety roles is still in play. Also unaffected: military personnel, the Executive Office of the President, and key health and benefit programs like Social Security, Medicare, and VA services.
Exceptions and Exemptions
The memo ties federal hiring directly to the Merit Hiring Plan released by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on May 29, under Executive Order 14170 (“Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service”). In short: if it’s not merit-based or already approved, it’s not happening.
But agencies aren’t totally handcuffed. They can:
- Reassign or reallocate staff to meet critical needs.
- Proceed with hires that are personally approved in writing by agency heads or their chiefs of staff—after notifying OPM.
- Request exemptions from OPM for special cases.
- Continue hiring into non-career positions like Schedule A/C roles or Presidential appointments (as long as they’re Senate-confirmed or otherwise authorized).
Contracting around the freeze to avoid the policy? That’s explicitly banned.
What This Means for Federal Job Seekers
If you’re eyeing a federal job, the road just got steeper—but not necessarily closed.
Jobs in public safety, national security, and homeland defense are still fair game. So are roles supporting veterans and seniors. And for those already in the hiring pipeline, all eyes will be on OPM and agency heads to approve exceptions and process pre-approved offers.
For the national security and cleared community, this memo is more signal than stop sign. The message is clear: protecting the homeland takes precedence over across-the-board staffing cuts.
The Bottom Line
This is a recalibration of hiring priorities around safety, security, and efficiency. With the Merit Hiring Plan as its backbone, the administration is putting pressure on agencies to justify every position—and get smarter about who they bring on board.
If you’re in national security, homeland defense, or a mission-critical role, your hiring lane is still open. For everyone else, expect delays, detours, and a lot more paperwork.
