Trump Administration Ending a Hiring Rule Dating to 19th Century

The Trump administration is seeking to overhaul the federal government's hiring process, which has been in place since the 19th century. The current system requires managers to choose from the top three candidates based on exam scores. The proposed changes would allow managers to select from a broader pool of qualified candidates, rather than being limited to the top scorers. The administration argues that this will give them more flexibility in hiring and allow them to better match candidates with specific job requirements. However, critics argue that the change could undermine the principle of hiring based on merit and open the door to more political influence in the federal bureaucracy. The proposed changes are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape the federal workforce and make it more responsive to the president's agenda. The implementation of these changes will be closely watched, as they could have significant implications for the future of government hiring in the United States.