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Trump's Political Appointments Threaten Federal Agency Knowledge

4/3/2026

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Trump's Appointees Surge

The Partnership for Public Service warns that a surge in political appointments by U.S. President Donald Trump threatens institutional knowledge in federal agencies.
By January 2026, Trump had 1,835 Schedule C political appointees, exceeding the 10% cap for non-career members.
The number of career Senior Executive Service members has dropped nearly 30%, reducing continuity and service quality.
The Partnership recommends capping political appointments and increasing transparency in the appointment process.

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Trump Nominates Officials

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated 409 individuals for key administration roles.
The administration could fill about 4,000 positions overall.
The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service track about 800 Senate-confirmation roles.
Most nominations succeed, but some may not receive a vote before the Senate calendar year ends.

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Trump's Appointees Surge

The Partnership for Public Service warns that a surge in political appointments by U.S. President Donald Trump threatens institutional knowledge in federal agencies.
By January 2026, Trump had 1,835 Schedule C political appointees, exceeding the 10% cap for non-career members.
The number of career Senior Executive Service members has dropped nearly 30%, reducing continuity and service quality.
The Partnership recommends capping political appointments and increasing transparency in the appointment process.

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