A federal judge in Boston blocked the Trump administration from asking civil-service applicants to explain how they would promote the president’s policies. Federal employee unions argued that the question turned merit-based hiring into a political loyalty test.
The judge found the policy likely violated the First Amendment and federal civil-service laws. The Office of Personnel Management maintains that the question was optional and nonpartisan.
More than 70,000 federal job announcements reportedly included the question, making the ruling important for applicants, career employees and public confidence in a politically neutral workforce.
What is confirmed
The injunction is in effect. The court has not issued a final ruling on every claim in the lawsuit.