Maximize political appointees and elevate OPM Director to Cabinet
Mandate argues understaffed political leadership cedes power to careerists; urges a full cadre of appointees from day one, tight PPO–OPM–liaison coordination, and giving the OPM Director Cabinet-level precedence.
Mandate
Mandate Ch. 3 (Central Personnel Agencies) — Fully Staffing Political Appointees / Overview: President must give personnel management highest priority including Cabinet-level precedence; early Trump PPO appointed fewer politicals and relied on holdovers/careerists; new Administration needs full cadre from beginning; close PPO–OPM–agency liaison relationship essential; make sense to give President direct supervision with OPM Director available in Cabinet.
Undo plan
1) Cap unnecessary Schedule C growth; prioritize Senate-confirmed agency leadership over parallel political layers.
2) Keep OPM Director as expert personnel manager, not a Cabinet political enforcer.
3) Restore onboarding ethics/training for appointees; limit holdover gaps via timely nominations—not career demonization.
4) Codify Hatch Act and PPP briefings for all political staff.
5) Verify: PAS vacancy rates; OPM independence indicators in rulemakings.