NAGE Backs Lawsuit to Maintain Integrity of Federal Hiring Process

The National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), alongside AFGE and AFSCME, has filed a lawsuit against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to stop the administration’s new “loyalty essay” requirement—an unprecedented addition to federal job applications that unions say forces applicants to express political allegiance to the president’s policies.

The lawsuit argues that the policy violates the First Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act, transforming merit-based hiring into a political litmus test. Under the new Merit Hiring Plan, job seekers are asked to identify and discuss their favorite Trump administration executive order or policy and explain how they would help advance it if hired.

The unions warn this practice “imposes an unconstitutional condition on employment” and creates a system of political patronage.

“For over a century, the merit-based civil service has been a cornerstone of our democracy, safeguarding it from corruption and political interference,” said David J. Holway, National President of NAGE. “The administration’s loyalty essay requirement is a direct assault on that legacy and on every public servant’s oath to uphold the Constitution. NAGE stands firm in defense of a professional, nonpartisan workforce, because the strength of our democracy depends on competence, integrity, and service to the American people—not political allegiance.”

NAGE’s legal action underscores the union’s commitment to protecting the independence of federal employees and ensuring that public service remains based on skill, experience, and integrity, not ideology.

The outcome of this case will determine whether the nation’s civil service continues to serve the American people—or becomes another arm of political control.

Read the full story on Government Executive.