ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumClinton · D

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Authority

This memorandum delegates to the Attorney General the authority to limit political activities of certain political appointees at the Department of Justice, including Presidential appointees, PAS appointees, noncareer SES, and Schedule C employees, under Hatch Act Reform Amendment regulations.

Federal Register 59 FR 50809
No PDF available for this document.

Impact dates

  1. Publication in Federal Register

Key directives

  • Delegate authority to Attorney General to limit political activities of specified DOJ political appointee categories
  • Authorize and direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority takes effect upon signing

Near term (90d)

  • Attorney General may begin issuing rules or guidance limiting political activities of covered appointees

Long term

  • Ongoing application of Hatch Act restrictions to DOJ political appointees

Risks & tensions

  • Narrow scope limited to DOJ political appointees rather than government-wide
  • Text does not specify what political activities are to be limited or how—leaves substantive discretion to Attorney General
  • Potential tension between political participation rights and executive branch neutrality goals
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority · Executive Orders