Department of Interior Personnel Actions Freeze

On May 2, 2025, the Department of Interior issued a memorandum announcing a freeze on personnel actions within the Department in order to "streamline our operational focus associated with potential reductions in force (RIF)." The freeze applied to any promotions, reassignments, changes in duty station, changes to hours and new hires. On December 9, 2025, the Department of the Interior's Chief Human Capital Officer issued a memorandum lifting the May 2, 2025 Personnel Actions Freeze. The memorandum is no longer available on the Department's official website and media reporting indicates department-level hiring restrictions remain in effect at some Interior agencies.