Were government workers asked about political loyalty, and what papers describe that?

"The lawsuit challenges one of the four essay questions the Trump administration directed agencies, as part of the May 2025 “ merit hiring plan ,” to include in all federal job applications at or above the GS-5 level."

"The question asks applicants to name a couple of executive orders or policy initiatives “significant” to them and explain how they would help implement those orders if hired."

"U.S. District Judge George O’Toole on Friday issued a stay order directing agencies to remove the question from all hiring announcements, after finding that the inclusion of the essay question likely violated job applicants’ First Amendment rights."

"The VA employee said although she did not want to address the essay question because she believed it was asking her to “talk about politics,” she felt compelled to answer anyway out of fear that refusing to do so would be seen as unfavorable to the president and therefore hurt her applications."

"Since OPM’s directive last year, more than 70,000 federal job announcements have included the “loyalty” essay question, according to Democracy Forward, which is representing plaintiffs in the case."

"appointees cannot be dismissed based on certain protected statuses, such as whistleblower status, partisan affiliation, or for claiming discrimination or harassment."

"The 2025 version added language making failure to faithfully implement administration policies to be grounds for dismissal"

"began a 90-day hiring freeze (with exceptions for troops, secretaries, and others)"

"Schedule F was created in October 2020 and repealed in January 2021, [ 5 ] [ 6 ] and was reinstated in January 2025."

"The text of the 2020 and 2025 versions of the executive order are nearly identical, with some minor amendments made by the latter."

"Schedule C appointments are political appointments to confidential or policy-setting positions."

"Applicants have been asked how they would “advance the president’s executive orders and policy priorities.”"

"How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired."

"The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) originally made these questions mandatory; however, after significant pushback, it changed its policy to make them optional."

"Provide an example where you implemented leadership direction on a strategy or policy decision that differed from your own recommendation."

"alleging that the question violates First Amendment protections by compelling political expression or discouraging applicants from seeking federal employment."

"Rutan v. Republican Party of Illinois (497 US 62, 1990): First Amendment patronage protections extend to PROSPECTIVE employees, hiring decisions are subject to the same scrutiny as discipline or termination of current employees."

"A federal judge ruled that the Trump Administration could not include a question asking about an applicant’s favorite executive order in their federal job applications."

"the MHP [(Merit Hiring Plan)], including the MHP guidance interpreting it, violates the First Amendment in several ways… it imposes an unconstitutional condition on employment, creating a hiring system where applicants are identifiable by and selected on the basis of professed political beliefs and loyalties."