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Federal Hiring Freeze Extended: Agencies Will Still Face Major Hiring Limits

Hafiz Usman Aftab

•
Apr 24

In a move that’s reshaping the future of government employment, President Donald Trump has extended the federal hiring freeze until July 15, 2025. But even after that date, agencies will still be under strict hiring restrictions, only permitted to bring in one new worker for every four employees who exit.

Let’s break down what this means for job seekers, federal agencies, and the country’s workforce structure.

What Is the Federal Hiring Freeze?

A hiring freeze is a temporary stop on recruitment for new positions. In this case, it was first introduced by President Trump on his first day in office. Originally planned for 90 days, the freeze has now been extended to nearly six months, lasting until mid-July.

During this time, most career positions cannot be filled, with few exceptions.

Agencies Will Still Face Limits After July 15

Here’s the key part: even when the freeze lifts, agencies will still be limited in how they hire. They can only add one new hire for every four federal employees who leave.

This 4-to-1 rule is being called a “strategic downsizing plan”, part of the administration’s goal to cut costs, reduce bureaucracy, and streamline government services.

Exemptions from the Hiring Freeze

Not all roles are blocked. Agencies can still recruit for:

  • National security

  • Immigration enforcement

  • Public safety

  • Military roles

  • Executive Office of the President

Also, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) can approve additional exceptions where needed.

Why This Move? The Administration’s Goals

According to a White House fact sheet:

“The American people elected President Trump to drain the swamp and end ineffective government programs...”

The administration aims to:

  • Reduce the federal workforce

  • Boost private-sector jobs

  • Cut government inefficiency

  • Enforce accountability in federal hiring

They’ve even compared this hiring rule to a “deregulation model”—similar to Trump’s “10-to-1” executive order that requires 10 old rules to be removed for every new rule created.

Impact on Agencies and Job Seekers

Experts are warning of a staffing crisis in some federal offices. According to Max Stier, president of the Partnership for Public Service:

“This order could leave agencies with hiring gaps in critical areas… especially those with specialized skills.”

Agencies that already have staffing shortages will find it harder to serve the public or manage growing workloads.

Plus, many talented professionals may avoid applying for government jobs due to job security concerns and reduced opportunities.

What Agencies Can Still Do

Even during the freeze, agencies:

  • Can reassign existing employees to different roles

  • Cannot use contractors to bypass the hiring ban

  • Must follow the 4-to-1 rule once the freeze ends

Examples of Extended Freezes Beyond July

Some agencies are choosing to continue their own freezes beyond the federal deadline. For example:

  • The General Services Administration (GSA) has told employees its hiring freeze will last at least until December 31, 2025

  • However, GSA is still hiring for contracting officers as of April, showing that limited exceptions still apply

Workforce Reductions Still Underway

Meanwhile, federal agencies are moving forward with reduction-in-force (RIF) plans, using:

  • Voluntary resignations

  • Non-voluntary terminations

  • Reorganizations and department cuts

Some workers have even been fired and reinstated after legal disputes over probationary period rules.

Long-Term Effects on the Federal Workforce

This slow and steady approach to shrinking the federal government could lead to:

  • A leaner civil service

  • Fewer career opportunities

  • Increased reliance on technology and automation

  • A higher workload on fewer staff

What You Should Do If You’re Interested in Federal Jobs

If you're looking to get into federal employment:

  • Check USAJobs.gov regularly for exception-based openings

  • Watch for announcements from exempted agencies (like DHS or military)

  • Improve your skill set in areas with high demand (e.g., cybersecurity, law enforcement)

  • Stay updated with OPM guidelines and hiring changes

Final Thoughts

Even when the federal hiring freeze lifts this July, agencies will still have to make do with less. The one-in, four-out hiring cap is just one part of a broader plan to reshape the federal workforce, prioritize efficiency, and limit government growth.

While this could mean fewer jobs overall, it also creates selective, high-impact opportunities for those with the right skills and timing.

Stay alert, stay ready—and know that the federal hiring game has changed, perhaps for good.

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