OPM Finalizes Rule Strengthening Accountability and Integrity Across the Federal Workforce 

WASHINGTON, DC — The US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) today finalized a rule strengthening the federal government's ability to address serious misconduct and ensure federal employees continue to meet high standards of integrity throughout their careers. 

The rule advances President Trump's efforts to build a high-performing federal workforce that serves the American people with professionalism, integrity, and accountability. By modernizing federal suitability regulations, the rule provides agencies and OPM with additional tools to address serious misconduct, protect public trust in government, and support a more consistent approach to accountability across the federal workforce. 

“For too long, the federal government has had stronger tools to prevent someone with serious misconduct from entering public service than to address the same misconduct once that individual is already employed,” OPM Director Scott Kupor said. “This rule closes that gap, strengthens accountability, and helps ensure the federal workforce continues to earn the trust of the American people.” 

The rule clarifies that covered employees who engage in serious misconduct while employed by the federal government may be subject to suitability actions based on that conduct. By extending suitability authorities to serious post-appointment misconduct in covered positions, the rule creates a more consistent framework for protecting the integrity and efficiency of the civil service and helps ensure individuals remain suitable for federal employment throughout their careers. 

The changes support the federal government's ongoing Trusted Workforce 2.0 modernization effort and governmentwide continuous vetting initiatives, while providing agencies with additional tools to address risks identified through those programs.  

Read the final rule here.