The Trump administration is seeking to resurrect a controversial measure that would significantly alter the employment status of many federal workers, making them more akin to at-will employees in the private sector. This move, which is facing substantial opposition, aims to reclassify a large number of government employees as workers who determine or make policy, thereby stripping them of long-standing civil service protections.

The proposed rule, introduced by the Office of Personnel Management, would allow agencies to "quickly remove employees from critical positions who engage in misconduct, perform poorly, or undermine the democratic process by intentionally subverting Presidential directives." This initiative is a revival of a policy first introduced during Trump's initial term and recently reactivated through an executive order.

Critics argue that this reclassification could lead to a politicization of the federal workforce, potentially undermining the stability and continuity of government operations across changing administrations. Supporters, however, contend that the current system lacks accountability and efficiency.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has already begun preparations for this potential shift. An internal memo from the agency outlined plans to reclassify approximately 10,000 positions under the new "Schedule Policy/Career" designation. This would be a dramatic increase from the current 19 positions classified as political appointees within the SSA.

The proposed changes have sparked concerns about the potential impact on the agency's ability to fulfill its mission impartially. Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, emphasized the apolitical nature of much of the SSA's work, stating, "With Social Security, the sort of unofficial mission that people talk about every day is get the right check to the right person at the right time. That's a very apolitical job."

Legal challenges to the reclassification effort are anticipated, particularly in light of provisions in the Social Security Act that limit the number of policy-making positions within the agency. The proposal has already generated over 16,000 public comments, indicating significant interest and concern from various stakeholders.

As the administration moves forward with this initiative, it faces opposition from those who fear it could lead to a more politicized and less stable federal workforce. The outcome of this proposal could have far-reaching implications for the structure and functioning of the U.S. government bureaucracy.