President Donald Trump followed through on a campaign promise. He signed an executive order requiring federal employees to return to in-person work.
This move directly challenges the hybrid work arrangement extended by President Joe Biden. Biden had allowed remote work flexibility until 2029.
"Heads of all departments and agencies in the executive branch of Government shall, as soon as practicable, take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements," the order states. Exceptions will be allowed if deemed necessary by agency heads.
The shift back to in-person work must start by 5 p.m. Friday, according to the order. Agencies are expected to act immediately.
Elon Musk now leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His role focuses on cutting government costs and improving efficiency.
Ending remote work is one way Musk aims to streamline the workforce. He sees mandatory office attendance as a means to encourage voluntary layoffs.
"Requiring federal employees to come to the office five days a week would result in a wave of voluntary terminations that we welcome," Musk wrote. "If federal employees don't want to show up, American taxpayers shouldn't pay them for the COVID-era privilege of staying home." He co-wrote this with Vivek Ramaswamy in The Wall Street Journal.
Trump also signed another executive order freezing the hiring of federal civilian employees. This applies across the entire executive branch.
"As part of this freeze, no Federal civilian position that is vacant at noon on January 20, 2025, may be filled," the order stated. It also prohibits creating new positions unless required by law.
The freeze excludes key roles. Military personnel and jobs tied to immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety are exempt.