Trump administration directs agency heads to fire most probationary staff

The Trump administration directed federal agencies to lay off nearly all probationary employees who lack civil service protection, effective Thursday, Feb. 13. The Office of Personnel Management reported that there were 220,000 workers with under a year on the job as of March 2024.

This directive expands previous orders stating that probationary employees should be dismissed if they do not meet high standards.

The probationary period is described as part of the job application process, not a guarantee of permanent employment.