New polling reveals that a significant portion of federal government employees plan to resist President-elect Donald Trump’s policies, highlighting the potential challenges his administration may face from within. Addressing this issue through bureaucratic reform could help ensure smoother execution of his agenda.
According to RMG Research, 42% of federal workers intend to oppose Trump’s policies, with 73% of Democrat-identifying employees saying they will actively resist. In contrast, 89% of Republican federal employees support Trump’s plans. This stark divide reflects a deeper issue within the federal workforce, where political bias appears to influence the implementation of policies.
One approach Trump could take is reviving the Schedule F employment classification, which would allow for the reassignment or dismissal of federal employees who obstruct administration directives. This reform could help the administration maintain accountability and prevent political interference from unelected officials.
The divide between government employees and everyday Americans is also notable. RMG Research found that 59% of Main Street Americans support Trump’s agenda, while only 28% favor bureaucratic resistance. Meanwhile, members of the political elite are far more likely to back opposition within the government.
Federal employees are expected to serve the public interest by implementing policies chosen by elected leaders. Reforms aimed at reinforcing accountability could help align government operations with the priorities of the voters.
If Trump focuses on reforming bureaucratic structures early in his term, he may reduce internal resistance and improve the administration’s ability to deliver results. Exploring options like Schedule F could be a strategic step toward achieving that goal.
