EO 14207: Eliminating the Federal Executive Institute
TLDR
This executive order eliminates the Federal Executive Institute (FEI), a 50-year-old leadership training institution for federal executives, arguing that bureaucratic leadership has failed to benefit American families and served bureaucracy over taxpayers. The order directs the OPM Director to dismantle FEI and revokes related executive documents from the Johnson administration.
This executive order focuses on the elimination of the Federal Executive Institute (FEI), a significant institutional change in federal government operations.
Purpose and Policy
The order establishes a policy aimed at eliminating government programs that are deemed not to directly benefit the American people or further national interests. The administration specifically targets the Federal Executive Institute, established during President Johnson’s administration over 50 years ago.
Main Actions
- Directs the Office of Personnel Management Director to eliminate the Federal Executive Institute
- Revokes previous executive documents related to FEI, including:
- Presidential Memorandum of May 9, 1968
- Applicable provisions of Executive Order 11348 (April 20, 1967)
Analysis
The elimination of the FEI represents a significant shift in federal workforce development. The institute has been responsible for leadership training of senior federal executives for over five decades. This move signals a fundamental change in how federal leadership development will be approached.
The order argues that bureaucratic leadership over the past 50 years has:
- Led to policies that enlarge the Washington, D.C. managerial class
- Failed to benefit American families
- Created a system that serves bureaucracy rather than taxpayers
The order includes standard provisions ensuring:
- Compliance with existing laws
- Protection of executive department authorities
- No creation of new legal rights or benefits
- Implementation subject to available appropriations
Potential Implications
The elimination of FEI could lead to:
- Significant changes in how federal executives receive leadership training
- Reduced institutional knowledge transfer among federal leaders
- Potential gaps in leadership development programs for federal executives
- Cost savings from eliminating the institution’s operations
This executive order represents a clear break from traditional federal workforce development approaches, prioritizing what the administration views as direct benefits to taxpayers over institutional bureaucratic training programs.
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and section 4117 of title 5, United States Code, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1.
Purpose and Policy.
It is the policy of the United States to treat taxpayer dollars responsibly and advance unifying priorities like a stronger and safer America. Accordingly, it is the policy of my Administration to eliminate, to the greatest extent permitted by law, executive departments and agencies and programs that do not directly benefit the American people or further our Nation’s interests.
In particular, the Federal Executive Institute, which was created by the Administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson more than 50 years ago, is a Government program purportedly designed to provide leadership training to bureaucrats. But bureaucratic leadership over the past half-century has led to Federal policies that enlarge and entrench the Washington, D.C., managerial class, a development that has not benefited the American family. The Federal Executive Institute should therefore be eliminated to refocus Government on serving taxpayers, competence, and dedication to our Constitution, rather than serving the Federal bureaucracy.
Sec. 2.
Elimination of the Federal Executive Institute.
(a) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall take all necessary steps to eliminate the Federal Executive Institute, in accordance with applicable law.
(b) All prior Presidential or other executive branch documents establishing or requiring the existence of the Federal Executive Institute, including the Presidential Memorandum of May 9, 1968, regarding the Federal Executive Institute, and any applicable provisions of Executive Order 11348 of April 20, 1967 (Providing for the Further Training of Government Employees), are hereby revoked.
Sec. 3.
General Provisions.
(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
© This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
THE WHITE HOUSE,
February 10, 2025.