Key Takeaways

• A new metric in performance reviews now tests HHS employees’ loyalty to President Trump’s agenda.
• Called “Faithful Support,” it demands clear proof of advancing the President’s policies.
• Tens of thousands of staff will see this added to their year-end ratings.
• Critics warn it politicizes public service and may violate civil service rules..

The Department of Health and Human Services has introduced a major change to its performance reviews. This year, every senior professional must show they back President Trump’s policies. This requirement joins three other critical elements in their evaluations. It means employees need to prove real results that match the administration’s agenda.

HHS leaders describe this step as “faithful administration.” They say it reflects commitment to the nation’s founding ideals. Yet many workers see it as a loyalty test. They worry it turns public service into partisan work.

Why the performance reviews change matters

Performance reviews guide raises, promotions, and job security. When political loyalty moves into that process, experts fear civil service rules fall apart. Career staff often serve through shifts in power. They must deliver programs fairly, no matter who holds the White House. Now, some feel they need to cheerlead for a party leader or risk a bad rating.

Moreover, this move could push skilled employees out. If staff see their work judged by politics, they may leave. In turn, patients and families relying on HHS programs could face gaps. Thus, critics argue that politicizing performance reviews hurts everyone.

What performance reviews now include

Under the new rule, senior HHS professionals must plainly support the President’s policy goals. They need to show how their projects advance the Trump agenda. For example, an employee working on Medicaid must link results to specific administration targets. Even health researchers must note how their studies back or follow presidential directives.

The policy memo calls this “Faithful Support of Administration of the Law and the President’s Policies.” It stresses that results must align with presidential priorities. In other words, supporting an administration policy is not optional. Instead, it becomes the most critical element in yearly feedback.

How employees feel about the new requirement

Many career workers feel uneasy. One HHS insider said that the requirement forces staff to swear loyalty to a political leader. Others use words like “ridiculous” and “extreme” to describe the change. They fear honest feedback might count against them if it seems critical of any policy.

On the other hand, supporters argue this step ensures unity. They claim that clear alignment on goals speeds up work. Yet, most career officials joined the government to serve the public, not to back a party line.

Legal experts weigh in

Some legal scholars warn that this requirement could breach civil service protections. Federal employees enjoy safeguards that stop politics from affecting their jobs. In particular, the merit system bars workers from political tests. Should HHS ratings hinge on policy support, lawsuits might follow.

Indeed, past courts have struck down similar loyalty demands. They ruled that civil servants must be judged on skills and results, not political views. Therefore, HHS could face challenges that aim to reverse the new review standard.

Possible impact on HHS programs

If many skilled workers quit or perform less well, programs could lag. Vital services like disease tracking or child health initiatives depend on expert staff. Also, ongoing health crises demand smooth operations. Any drop in morale or mass departures could stall progress.

Furthermore, recruitment may become tougher. Prospective employees may fear year-end reviews that mix politics with performance. In the long run, such a shift could reduce the talent pool in public health.

What lies ahead for HHS staff

For now, HHS employees must adjust to the new metric. They will need to record how each task furthers Trump’s policy goals. Managers will judge them on those notes. Then, when end-of-year reviews arrive, the “Faithful Support” element could shape pay raises and job growth.

However, staff and watchdog groups may push back. They could seek legal remedies or press Congress to investigate. If enough pressure builds, HHS may revise or drop the loyalty test. Until then, career officials must navigate this new demand in their performance reviews.

Key Terms Explained

Faithful Support – A label for the requirement to prove support for presidential policies.
Critical Elements – Major areas in performance reviews that determine overall ratings.
Merit System – A set of rules that aims to keep government hiring and firing based on skill, not politics.
Senior Professionals – High-level HHS staff who craft and run major health programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new performance reviews requirement?

Under the new rule, HHS senior professionals must show that they clearly support and help carry out President Trump’s policies. This requirement now ranks as the most important factor in their year-end ratings.

Which employees must follow the new rule?

The change applies to tens of thousands of senior professionals in the Department of Health and Human Services. These are career officials who hold key roles in planning and managing health programs.

Why are critics upset about this change?

Critics say it politicizes federal jobs. They argue career employees should be judged on skills and results, not on their loyalty to a political leader. They also worry the rule breaks civil service laws protecting nonpartisan work.

How might this rule affect HHS operations?

If employees feel pressured by politics, they may leave or work less effectively. This could slow down important health services. Moreover, hiring new talent may become harder if the job seems too political.