In a move to reshape federal government operations, President Donald Trump has signed a memo nullifying collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) enacted by the Biden administration in its final days. The Trump administration argues these agreements were strategically designed to hinder the new president's agenda and restrict his ability to reform government practices.

This memo effectively bars federal agencies from entering into new CBAs during the last month of a presidential term. It also mandates agency heads to invalidate any agreements finalized by the Biden administration within that same timeframe. Existing CBAs negotiated prior to this period will remain active while the Trump administration seeks to renegotiate terms it deems more favorable to taxpayers.

One specific agreement targeted by this action is a December 2024 deal between Biden's Social Security Administration Commissioner, Martin O’Malley, and the American Federation of Government Employees. This agreement ensured the agency's 42,000 employees could continue working remotely under the Trump presidency. The White House contends this and other similar agreements, such as those within the Department of Education, Small Business Administration, and Federal Trade Commission, were intended to obstruct President Trump's plans, particularly his commitment to returning federal employees to in-person work for increased efficiency.

The Trump administration asserts that these last-minute CBAs represent an overreach by the outgoing administration, attempting to bind the incoming president to policies rejected by voters. The new memo aims to prevent future presidents from employing similar tactics to extend their influence beyond their term. Furthermore, it seeks to align federal agency operations with private sector union practices.

This action follows a recent directive from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) mandating full-time in-office work for federal employees, barring specific exemptions. The OPM has also extended a voluntary resignation offer with full pay and benefits until September 30th to employees unwilling to return to the office. This offer has a deadline of February 6th and excludes certain categories of federal workers, including postal workers, immigration officials, national security personnel, and other positions deemed essential by individual agencies.