On March 21, 2025, the White House released a memorandum aimed at enhancing the suitability and fitness assessments of the federal workforce. This memorandum delegates authority to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to make final suitability determinations regarding executive branch employees based on their conduct after appointment. It outlines requirements for rulemaking that will amend existing regulations to improve the process of suitability determinations and actions.

The memorandum specifies that OPM will propose regulations requiring federal agencies to refer cases to OPM for suitability determinations based on post-appointment conduct. Furthermore, if the OPM Director issues instructions concerning the separation or corrective action related to an employee, the agency head must comply within five business days. This framework aims to ensure accountability and uphold standards within the federal workforce.

Additionally, the memorandum clarifies that it does not interfere with the existing authority of executive departments or agencies. It emphasizes that any implementation must align with applicable laws and available appropriations, and it does not create any enforceable rights or benefits. The OPM Director is also responsible for publishing the memorandum in the Federal Register to ensure transparency.

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On March 20, 2025, the White House issued an executive order aimed at improving government efficiency by enhancing data access among federal agencies. The order highlights the importance of eliminating ‘information silos’ that impede collaboration and data sharing between agencies, as these barriers can lead to waste, fraud, and abuse in government operations. Agency heads are responsible for ensuring that federal officials have timely access to unclassified records and are required to review existing regulations that hinder information sharing.

The directive instructs agencies to assess their guidance and regulations within 30 days to promote the sharing of unclassified data among themselves and with state programs that receive federal funding. Importantly, the order also stresses the necessity for the Department of Labor to have full access to unemployment data and payment records, thereby strengthening the government’s capacity to monitor and resolve financial discrepancies. Furthermore, it calls for a review of classified information policies, emphasizing that classification levels should not exceed what is essential for national security.

In summary, this executive order represents a crucial advancement towards streamlining federal operations by fostering better data access and sharing practices. By tackling existing obstacles and promoting collaboration, the administration aims to enhance the government’s ability to identify and eliminate inefficiencies and fraudulent activities. This initiative underscores a commitment to transparency and accountability within government processes.

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On March 21, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to initiate the process of closing the federal Department of Education. This decision follows four decades of federal involvement in education, with supporters arguing that such involvement has led to poor academic performance despite significant financial investment. The executive order aims to transfer control of educational policy and funding from the federal government back to state governments, allowing local communities to tailor educational approaches to better meet their needs.

The article highlights a strong response from various state governors and lawmakers who have praised the executive order as a necessary reform. They emphasize that education should be managed at the state and community level, with many expressing the belief that parents and local educators are better equipped to make decisions regarding students’ education. The order is framed as a step toward reducing federal bureaucracy, with supporters contending that it will enhance accountability and improve student outcomes.

Critics of the Department of Education’s longstanding role argue that it has not delivered the expected results, citing a decline in student performance despite increasing expenditures. The article includes numerous statements from political figures affirming their commitment to this shift, advocating for a return to local control and reduced federal oversight in education. This executive action signifies a significant change in the federal approach to education policy, aimed at promoting greater educational freedom and accountability at the state level.

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