EO 14207: Eliminating the Federal Executive Institute
ANALYSIS: Executive Order 14207 mandates the elimination of the Federal Executive Institute (FEI). Established over 50 years ago during President Lyndon B. Johnson's administration, the FEI provided leadership training to federal employees. The order argues that such training has contributed to the expansion of the federal bureaucracy, which, according to the administration, has not benefited American families. Consequently, the order directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to take all necessary steps to dissolve the FEI, aiming to refocus the government on serving taxpayers and upholding constitutional principles.
Project 2025 is an initiative by the Trump administration aimed at restructuring and reducing the size of the federal government to enhance efficiency and accountability. The elimination of the FEI aligns with Project 2025's objectives by removing programs perceived to perpetuate bureaucratic expansion, thereby streamlining government operations.
Direct negative impacts:
Loss of Leadership Development: The FEI played a crucial role in cultivating leadership skills among federal employees. Its elimination may result in a gap in leadership development, potentially affecting the effectiveness of federal agencies.
Reduced Employee Morale: The dissolution of the FEI could be perceived as a devaluation of professional growth opportunities within the federal workforce, leading to decreased morale and job satisfaction among employees.
Operational Challenges: Without a centralized institute for leadership training, individual agencies may struggle to provide consistent and high-quality leadership development programs, potentially leading to inconsistencies in management practices across the federal government.
Impact on Succession Planning: The absence of structured leadership training could hinder effective succession planning, resulting in challenges in identifying and preparing future leaders within federal agencies.
CONCLUSION: This action aligns with the objectives of Project 2025, which aims to reshape the federal government by reducing bureaucratic structures and consolidating executive power to implement conservative policies effectively. Eliminating the FEI is consistent with Project 2025's goal to streamline government operations by removing programs perceived to perpetuate bureaucratic expansion. Executive Order 14207 exemplifies the Trump administration's commitment to implementing the principles outlined in Project 2025, focusing on reducing the size of the federal bureaucracy and enhancing the efficiency and accountability of government operations. While the elimination of the FEI may align with broader governmental restructuring goals, it could also lead to challenges in maintaining a competent and motivated federal workforce.
No direct reference. (Project 2025’s civil service reforms in Chapter 3 critique the bureaucracy but do not explicitly mention the Federal Executive Institute (an OPM training center). Shutting down the FEI was an internal idea not spelled out in the Mandate.)
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and section 4117 of title 5, United States Code, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1 . Purpose and Policy. It is the policy of the United States to treat taxpayer dollars responsibly and advance unifying priorities like a stronger and safer America. Accordingly, it is the policy of my Administration to eliminate, to the greatest extent permitted by law, executive departments and agencies and programs that do not directly benefit the American people or further our Nation's interests.
In particular, the Federal Executive Institute, which was created by the Administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson more than 50 years ago, is a Government program purportedly designed to provide leadership training to bureaucrats. But bureaucratic leadership over the past half-century has led to Federal policies that enlarge and entrench the Washington, DC, managerial class, a development that has not benefited the American family. The Federal Executive Institute should therefore be eliminated to refocus Government on serving taxpayers, competence, and dedication to our Constitution, rather than serving the Federal bureaucracy.
Sec. 2 . Elimination of the Federal Executive Institute. (a) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall take all necessary steps to eliminate the Federal Executive Institute, in accordance with applicable law.
(b) All prior Presidential or other executive branch documents establishing or requiring the existence of the Federal Executive Institute, including the Presidential Memorandum of May 9, 1968, regarding the Federal Executive Institute, and any applicable provisions of Executive Order 11348 of April 20, 1967 (Providing for the Further Training of Government Employees), are hereby revoked.
Sec. 3 . General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
