unions Sue Trump Management Over New Federal Job Submission ‘Loyalty Question’
WASHINGTON – Three major federal employee unions have filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s addition of an essay question about “loyalty” to federal job applications, alleging the move is a politically motivated attempt to purge the civil service. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the American Federation of state, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) argue the question violates civil service laws and seeks to prioritize political allegiance over qualifications.
The essay question,now appearing on over 5,800 federal job applications - including 1,700 posted during the ongoing government shutdown – asks applicants to describe how their past experiences demonstrate a commitment to the country and its values. While the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has stated the question is “mandatory” for agencies to include, it is “optional” for candidates to answer, according to an August communication to federal human resources officials.
The lawsuit contends that an applicant’s political views are irrelevant to their ability to perform civil service roles, citing examples ranging from meatcutting workers at the Defense Department to research biologists at the Agriculture Department and laundry workers at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Forcing job applicants to answer politically motivated questions comes straight from the Project 2025 playbook, which aims to replace dedicated, nonpartisan public servants with workers chosen for their political loyalty rather than their qualifications or their oath to uphold the Constitution,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley in a statement.
AFSCME President Lee Saunders accused the administration of attempting to “push out experienced public service workers with cronies who will blindly follow orders,” while NAGE President David J. Holway labeled the changes “a direct assault on that legacy and on every public servant’s oath to uphold the Constitution.”
The unions’ lawsuit seeks to halt the use of the essay question and protect the integrity of the federal hiring process. The case arrives amid heightened concerns about the politicization of the civil service and potential disruptions to government operations.
