United States President Donald Trump has mandated the termination of remote work arrangements for all executive branch employees. This order, issued on the first day of his presidency, reverses the policy initiated by former President Joe Biden during the coronavirus pandemic.

Titled “Return to In-Person Work,” the executive order requires employees to return to their duty stations on a full-time basis. Exemptions are allowed only when absolutely necessary.

The order reads, “Heads of all departments and agencies in the executive branch shall, as soon as practicable, take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements.” It also specifies that exemptions can be made at the discretion of department and agency heads.

In addition to ending remote work, President Trump enacted a freeze on hiring federal civilian employees across the executive branch. The freeze includes a restriction on filling vacant positions as of noon on January 20, 2025. No new positions can be created unless otherwise directed by the President or applicable law.

However, the order exempts military personnel, immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety positions. The freeze will not affect the provision of Social Security, Medicare, or Veterans’ benefits, and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) may grant exemptions where needed.

This move marks a shift in policy as President Trump takes office, signaling a return to traditional in-person work for federal employees.