
Reports that nearly half of federal employees plan to resist President-elect Donald Trump’s administration highlight the importance of strengthening accountability within government agencies. Taking steps to address this internal opposition could help Trump deliver on his campaign promises.
Polling from RMG Research shows that 42% of federal workers intend to obstruct Trump’s policies. The resistance is most pronounced among Democrats in the government workforce, with 73% planning to oppose the administration. In contrast, 89% of Republican federal employees support Trump’s agenda, revealing a sharp partisan divide within federal agencies.
One option for Trump to consider is bringing back Schedule F, a policy designed to allow the reassignment or dismissal of employees who actively undermine executive directives. This measure could help prevent unelected officials from blocking the policies that voters elected Trump to enact.
The divide between federal workers and Main Street Americans is also significant. The poll found that 59% of everyday Americans support Trump’s agenda, while only 28% favor bureaucratic resistance. In comparison, members of the political elite are far more inclined to support obstruction within the government.
Federal agencies should function to implement the directives of elected officials, not serve partisan interests. Implementing reforms to enhance accountability could help prevent political bias from interfering with government operations.
By addressing bureaucratic resistance early in his administration, Trump could improve the federal government’s responsiveness and better fulfill his promises to the American people. Policies like Schedule F might offer an effective way to ensure federal employees are working in alignment with the President’s agenda.