Creating Schedule G in the Excepted Service

On July 17, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing Schedule G in the federal excepted service, creating a new category for noncareer positions that are policy-making or policy-advocating and typically change with presidential transitions. This move aims to fill a gap in existing schedules and improve government operations, particularly within the Department of Veterans Affairs. While the order seeks to align appointees with the President's policies, it prohibits considering political affiliation in appointments, potentially raising discussions about the balance between political influence and merit-based hiring in federal positions.