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EO 14284Executive OrderTrump 47 · R Quiet signal

Executive Order 14284

Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal Service

This executive order overhauls federal employee probationary and trial periods by requiring agencies to affirmatively certify that new hires advance the public interest before their appointments become permanent. It replaces existing civil service regulations with a new Civil Service Rule XI that makes employment automatic termination the default if agencies fail to act, and mandates specific review timelines for current probationary employees.

Federal Register Open PDF 90 FR 17729

Impact dates

  1. Agency determination on finalization due after period end

  2. Evaluators must meet with employee before period end

  3. Sections 5(b)-5(d) and Civil Service Rule 11.5 become effective

  4. OPM publishes rule rescinding 5 CFR 315 subpart H

  5. Agencies identify probationary/trial employees and designate evaluators

Key directives

  • Create new Civil Service Rule XI superseding 5 CFR 315 subpart H
  • Repeal Civil Service Rule 2.4
  • Require affirmative agency certification within 30 days before period end to finalize appointment
  • Place burden of proof on employee to demonstrate public interest value
  • Agency heads identify all probationary/trial employees within 15 days
  • Designate written evaluators for probationary reviews within 15 days
  • Evaluators meet with employees at least 60 days before period ends
  • Agency determination due within 30 days of period end
  • Written certification required before finalizing appointment
  • OPM publish rescission rule within 30 days

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Order effective immediately
  • Agencies must identify probationary/trial employees within 15 days
  • Agency heads must designate evaluators in writing within 15 days

Near term (90d)

  • Sections 5(b)-5(d) and Civil Service Rule 11.5 become effective
  • OPM must publish rule rescinding subpart H within 30 days
  • Evaluators must meet with employees at least 60 days before period ends
  • Agency determinations on finalization due within 30 days of period end

Long term

  • Structural change to federal hiring tenure pathway
  • Potential workforce chilling effect on federal recruitment
  • Shift in agency HR practices and managerial accountability

Risks & tensions

  • Burden-shifting to employees may create due process concerns despite MSPB recommendation
  • Automatic termination default could increase litigation or OPM appeals volume
  • Tight 30-day certification window may strain agency HR capacity
  • Vague 'public interest' standard gives broad discretion to agency heads with limited review
  • Potential recruitment chilling effect if federal employment perceived as less secure
  • Administrative error reinstatement provision (30-day OPM petition) creates narrow safety valve
Executive Order 14284: Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal Service · Executive Orders