The Trump administration has issued new guidance aimed at speeding up federal workforce reductions and weakening some civil-service protections, according to Reuters. The move comes as budget negotiations continue to stall, adding pressure on agencies already facing uncertainty over staffing and spending.

The directive asks departments to move more quickly on downsizing plans, a step that could reshape how the federal government hires, retains, and removes employees. Supporters of the effort argue it is intended to make agencies leaner and reduce bureaucracy, while critics are likely to warn that it could erode job protections and disrupt public services.

The guidance lands in the middle of a broader budget fight, raising the stakes for federal workers and the programs they administer. Any significant changes to civil-service rules could affect not only government operations but also the ability of agencies to maintain continuity during political and fiscal deadlock.

Reuters reported that the executive action is part of the White House’s latest push to influence the outcome of negotiations. The full impact will depend on how agencies implement the order and whether labor groups or legal challenges slow it down.