HIRING FREEZE SHAKES FEDERAL JOBS: WHAT VETERANS AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST KNOW
On July 7, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a sweeping Presidential Memorandum temporarily freezing most civilian hiring across the federal government through October 15, 2025. The move—part of an effort to “restore merit” and “prioritize public safety”—has set off alarm bells for many, especially within the Veteran community, which represents over 30% of the federal workforce.
This means roughly 637,000 out of 2.2 million federal employees have prior military service, according to the Office of Personnel Management, (OPM).
The federal hiring freeze comes at a time when hundreds of thousands of transitioning service members and military spouses are actively pursuing government careers as a continuation of their service. Now, the door to opportunity has narrowed—at least temporarily.
What the Hiring Freeze Does
The memorandum blocks all hiring for vacant federal civilian positions unless:
- The role is directly tied to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety
- It is part of the Executive Office of the President
- The position supports Social Security, Medicare, or VA healthcare and benefits
- The hire qualifies for an exemption granted by the Office of Personnel Management
In addition, agencies are prohibited from outsourcing work to contractors as a workaround—a move aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability.
Why Veterans Are Especially Affected
For decades, Veterans have been among the most successful applicants to federal jobs, thanks in part to Veterans’ Preference and government-wide initiatives to support military transition.
Agencies like the VA, DoD, DHS, and DOJ have traditionally hired large numbers of Veterans.
But under the current freeze:
- Open job postings may be paused or canceled
- Job offers already extended but not finalized could be delayed
- Veterans seeking entry into civilian federal service may face months of uncertainty
Even those already in the system—such as Veterans on temporary appointments or awaiting conversion to permanent roles—may see plans put on hold unless their positions qualify as exempt.
Who’s Still Hiring (and Why That Matters)
The freeze allows essential hiring to continue in these areas:
- Defense and national security
- Border and immigration enforcement
- Law enforcement and public safety
- Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care and benefit services
That means agencies like Customs and Border Protection, FBI, VA, and parts of DoD may continue onboarding personnel. If you’re a Veteran looking to enter federal service, these may be your most viable short-term options.
What Veterans and Federal Employees Should Do Now
Stay Informed
Monitor USAJOBS.gov closely. Agencies may relist exempted positions or reopen roles after October 15. If you’re in the application process now, reach out to the hiring manager for clarity.
Update Your Resume
Veterans should ensure their federal resumes are up to date, including military awards, clearances, and relevant experience aligned with mission-critical roles.
Ask About Exemptions
If you’ve received a tentative job offer, ask the hiring agency whether your role is exempt from the freeze or eligible for an OPM waiver.
Voices from the Community
“We were already fighting for space in a crowded federal hiring process,” said Angela Torres, a Marine Corps Veteran and federal employee in Baltimore. “Now we’re being told to wait again—after serving our country.”
“This policy feels like a step backward,” said James Brody, an Army retiree and career coach. “Veterans bring unmatched leadership and integrity to public service. We shouldn’t be sidelined.”
Final Takeaway
The federal hiring freeze may be temporary—but its effects on Veterans and federal employees will ripple far beyond October. If you’re a Veteran pursuing a federal career, stay resilient, stay informed, and keep pushing forward. Your service still matters—and so does your next mission.
Resources for Veterans:
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