Federal Hiring Freeze 2025 Update: Indefinite Freeze, New Oversight Rules

As of October 2025, the federal hiring freeze first enacted when President Donald Trump took office in January has now been extended indefinitely under a new executive order. This latest federal hiring freeze update marks a major shift in how federal recruitment and workforce planning are managed across government agencies.

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In our experience advising federal employees, these ongoing changes highlight a deeper transformation of federal employment one focused on central oversight, streamlined hiring, and alignment with administration priorities. Understanding what’s new, what’s changing, and how it affects your career or retirement planning is more important than ever.

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What’s New in the Federal Hiring Freeze 2025 Update

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Indefinite Hiring Freeze

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Under the latest executive order, the federal civilian hiring freeze continues indefinitely, with no announced end date. While previous extensions had set deadlines (most recently through October 15, 2025), this order removes them entirely effectively locking in hiring restrictions until further notice.

During the freeze:

• Agencies cannot fill most vacancies or create new positions.
  
  
• Exemptions remain for military personnel, national security, public safety, and immigration enforcement roles.
  
  
• Political appointees and Executive Office positions are also exempt.
  
  

This indefinite freeze reflects the administration’s long-term goal of reducing federal workforce size through attrition, buyouts, and realignment, rather than temporary measures.

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Strategic Hiring Committees and Political Oversight

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A defining feature of this update is the establishment of strategic hiring committees within each agency. These committees composed of senior officials and political appointees must now approve all hiring decisions, ensuring they align with:

• Agency mission needs,
  
  
• The national interest, and
  
  
• Administration priorities.
  
  

In addition, the White House has directed that political appointees maintain oversight of federal hiring. This move strengthens central accountability but also raises concerns about potential politicization of the federal workforce.

Critics, including the Partnership for Public Service, warn that the changes may blur the line between career civil service and political influence, making federal hiring “increasingly difficult” for agencies already struggling to fill critical roles.

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The Merit Hiring Plan and New Applicant Requirements

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The Merit Hiring Plan, first issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in early 2025, continues to guide how agencies evaluate candidates but with new, politically aligned elements.

Federal job postings now include essay questions requiring applicants to:

• Explain how they would advance the administration’s priorities.
  
  
• Identify recent executive orders they consider significant.
  
  

In addition, resumes are limited to two pages, ensuring only the most relevant experience is considered. These changes aim to modernize hiring while reinforcing alignment with current policy objectives.

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Introduction of Schedule G and Broader Workforce Reforms

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The administration has also announced the introduction of a new employment classification Schedule G expanding upon the previously reinstated Schedule F policy. Schedule G applies to positions involved in policy development or political decision-making, giving agencies greater flexibility to replace or reassign employees in these roles.

Combined with the indefinite freeze, Schedule G and other reforms are expected to significantly reshape the federal workforce. OPM Director Scott Kupor recently projected that over 300,000 federal employees will have left federal service by the end of 2025 through layoffs, buyouts, and attrition.

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Skills-Based Hiring and the “Rule of Many” Still in Motion

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Even as hiring restrictions remain, OPM continues implementing the “rule of many,” set to take full effect in 2026. This rule replaces the old “rule of three,” allowing agencies to consider a broader pool of qualified candidates based on skills and merit rather than strict ranking.

This shift along with skills-based hiring pilots for technical and IT positions remains one of the most forward-looking aspects of the administration’s federal hiring reforms.

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Impact on Federal Employees and Job Seekers

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For those navigating the federal hiring freeze 2025 update, the environment may feel uncertain. However, there are still ways to stay proactive:

• Focus on skill development. Agencies continue prioritizing technical expertise under OPM’s skills-based hiring model.
  
  
• Keep resumes concise. Two pages maximum remains the new norm.
  
  
• Answer essay questions thoughtfully. Use them to highlight alignment with mission and public service, not just politics.
  
  
• Watch for exemptions and shared certificates. Many mission-critical agencies still share eligible applicant pools across departments.
  
  

In our experience advising federal employees, those who stay informed and adaptive tend to emerge stronger when hiring restrictions eventually lift.

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Thinking Ahead About Your Future

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Policy changes like the federal hiring freeze update often have long-term implications not just for job opportunities but also for retirement timelines, pension calculations, and TSP contributions.

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At Federal Pension Advisors, we help federal employees navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re considering early retirement, optimizing your FERS benefits, or deciding when to transition, our team provides tailored, practical guidance to protect your financial future.

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to review your retirement readiness no pressure, just insight from experts who understand the federal system inside and out.

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Key Takeaways

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• The federal hiring freeze 2025 update extends the freeze indefinitely.
  
  
• Strategic hiring committees and political oversight now control most hiring.
  
  
• Schedule G expands flexibility in politically influenced positions.
  
  
• Merit Hiring Plan now ties application essays to administration priorities.
  
  
• Rule of Many and skills-based hiring reforms continue toward 2026 implementation.
  
  
• Federal employees should stay informed, maintain career readiness, and plan proactively.

While staying updated on hiring freezes, layoffs, and pay changes is vital, what matters most is what you do next especially when it comes to planning your retirement.

At Federal Pension Advisors, we specialize in working with federal employees like you helping you navigate complex systems like FERS, CSRS, TSP, and Social Security. We provide personalized guidance to:

• Maximize your pension benefits
  
  
• Optimize your tax strategy
  
  
• Decide when to claim benefits or retire
  
  
• And build a retirement income plan that gives you peace of mind
  
  

If you’re ready to take control of your financial future, schedule a free 30-minute consultation. There’s no obligation just clarity.

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Conclusion

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The federal hiring freeze update signals not a pause, but a structural transformation in how the federal government recruits and retains its workforce. With indefinite restrictions, increased political oversight, and evolving merit systems, this is one of the most consequential workforce shifts in recent history.

For federal employees and job seekers alike, the key is preparation. By understanding these policies and planning accordingly for your benefits, retirement, and career trajectory you can navigate this uncertain period with confidence and clarity.

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FAQs

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How long will the hiring freeze last at DoD?

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• The Department of Defense (DoD) is subject to the same federal civilian hiring freeze that applies to executive branch agencies, unless specific exemptions are granted.
  
  
• In February 2025, DoD published a memo instituting an “immediate civilian hiring freeze” to “streamline operations, bolster readiness, and prioritize critical missions.”
  
  
• Because the broader federal freeze has been extended indefinitely under a new executive order (with no end date announced), the DoD freeze likewise has no publicly announced end date.
  
  
• However, mission-critical exceptions may permit some hires or reassignments within DoD under special authorities.
  
  

So, as of now, the DoD hiring freeze is effectively open-ended, subject to exemptions.

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How long is the 2025 federal hiring freeze?

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• The freeze began January 20, 2025, restricting agencies from filling vacant civilian positions or creating new ones (with key exceptions).
  
  
• It was originally intended to last 90 days.
  
  
• It has since been extended multiple times (e.g. through July 15 and then October 15, 2025)
  
  
• As of the latest executive order, the freeze is now indefinite, with no announced termination date.
  
  
• That means it may continue until further White House or OPM/OMB action rescinds or modifies it.
  
  

Is there a hiring freeze right now?

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Yes there is. The current status (as of October 2025) is that the federal civilian hiring freeze remains in effect. Recent developments indicate:

• The latest executive order does not set a future end date for the freeze, effectively continuing it indefinitely.
  
  
• Agencies are operating under strict constraints: they cannot generally fill vacancies or create new positions, except under specified exemptions (e.g. national security, public safety, immigration enforcement).
  
  
• So, to answer: Yes, there is a hiring freeze right now for most federal civilian positions.
  
  

How long do hiring freezes last?

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There’s no one-size-fits-all answer the duration of hiring freezes depends heavily on the administration’s policy goals, legal framework, and agency needs. But here’s what history and practice show:

• Historically, hiring freezes have ranged from a few weeks to several months. Some last roughly 90 days, others persist for years in one form or another.
  
  
• For example, in 2017 President Trump imposed a 90-day federal hiring freeze
  
  
• According to GAO studies, past hiring freezes (1977–1981) were implemented, but their duration and effect varied, and net savings were uncertain
  
  
• In practice, many administrations use freezes as a temporary measure during budget constraints or reorganization, but then gradually phase them out or convert them into stricter hiring policies instead of outright stops.
  
  

So while some freezes last a few months, others may extend much longer or become semi-permanent depending on political and budgetary factors.

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Content Sources - 

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U.S. Department of War

Fed News Network

The White House

Wikipedia

federalnewsnetwork.com

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Disclaimer:

‍This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as legal, tax, or personalised financial advice. The details regarding the federal hiring freeze, OPM guidance, and related workforce reforms are based on publicly available information as of September 2025 and may be subject to change. Federal employment policies, benefits, and retirement options are complex and vary depending on individual circumstances. Federal employees affected by hiring freezes, layoffs, or workforce reductions should consult their agency’s human resources office, review official OPM communications, and seek guidance from a qualified employment attorney or financial professional before making any career or retirement decisions.