President Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday that aims to boost employment opportunities for military spouses, a move administration officials are hoping will help the military’s recruiting efforts.
The order directs federal agencies to make a concerted effort to hire the spouses of men and women in uniform and ensure they are made aware of new job openings. Military spouses receive hiring preferences for some government positions under current law, but most agencies have failed to adhere to those hiring practices.
“By taking this action today, we are leading by example and encouraging American businesses across the country to expand job opportunities for our intelligent … and highly valuable military spouses,” Trump said during an event at the White House, adding that “America owes a debt of gratitude” to them.
As part of the executive order, the Office of Personnel Management will work to “increased awareness” surrounding the importance and necessity of hiring military spouses. The administration will also be required to publish an annual report detailing the number of military spouse employees at each federal agency.
The White House is simultaneously working with state and local officials across the U.S. to rollback licensing requirements that often prevent military spouses from procuring certain jobs, Trump said Wednesday.
