President Donald Trump on Thursday extended the freeze on hiring new government workers for another 90 days.
The administration has said that the freeze is part of an effort to make the government more efficient and promote fiscal responsibility. The freeze, now in effect until July 15, includes exceptions for the military and other national security-related positions.
“No Federal civilian position that is presently vacant may be filled, and no new position may be created, except as otherwise provided for in this memorandum or required by applicable law,” Trump wrote in a memo. “In carrying out this memorandum, the heads of agencies shall seek efficient use of existing personnel and funds to improve public services and the delivery of those services.”
The memorandum said that the freeze does not apply to military personnel of the Armed Forces or positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety. Agencies are allowed to apply for exemptions to the hiring freeze to the Office of Management and Budget, which can grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
“The extension of the hiring freeze is a critical step in shrinking the federal government and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently,” the White House said. “The American people elected President Trump to drain the swamp and end ineffective government programs that empower government without achieving measurable results.”
For the IRS, Trump’s memo says the staffing moratorium will remain in effect until otherwise determined by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in consultation with OMB Director Russ Vought and acting Department of Government Efficiency Administrator Amy Gleason.
If they determine “that it is in the national interest to terminate the freeze,” they are directed to publish a notice in the Federal Register.
The IRS has already lost thousands of employees this year, with more than 20,000 taking buyout offers from the Trump administration to leave their positions, and another 7,000 probationary workers being terminated. The firings are currently being challenged in court.
After the freeze ends for the other government departments and agencies, the White House said that federal entities will only be allowed to hire one new employee for every four that leave. The White House said that during former President Joe Biden’s last two years in office, one out of every four new jobs was in government.
“President Trump is committed to reversing this trend by prioritizing private-sector job growth and reducing the federal workforce to focus on essential functions,” the White House said.
