Federal Government and Federal Employees Under President Trump (by Ralph R. Smith - FedSmith)

President Trump?

Those two words becoming a reality were considered highly unlikely before yesterday’s election.

In a year of political surprises, America’s election of Donald Trump as president despite consistently running behind in many polls is a historic event. As happened in the United Kingdom earlier this year, voters made up their own minds and ignored the political class and views often expressed in the political press.

For the federal workforce, there is little doubt there will be changes on the horizon after January 2017. Without regard to the desirability of these changes, the long political campaign is an overview of the philosophy and programs to be pursued by President Trump.

Republican Control of Government

The degree to which the President of the United States’ political party has control over the House of Representatives and Senate often determines political strength. The ability to pass sponsored legislation, ratify treaties, and approval of Cabinet members and judges are all easier with one party controlling Congress and the White House. In 2017, Republicans control Congress with a very narrow margin in the Senate and a larger majority in the House.

Implications for Federal Employees

What are implications the implications of the election results for the federal workforce? While FedSmith has run articles on proposals and plans of each candidate, proposals and statements from the winning candidate take on new significance after the election results have been calculated.