Trump Administration Affirms Religious Expression Rights for Federal Employees

The Trump administration is reaffirming the constitutional right of federal employees to express and discuss their religious beliefs in the workplace. On Monday, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), led by Director Scott Kupor, issued new guidance clarifying that federal workers may share their faith, invite colleagues to church, and even pray with members of the public as long as such expression remains respectful and non-disruptive.

Federal employees should never have to choose between their faith and their career, Kupor said. “This guidance ensures the federal workplace is not just compliant with the law but welcoming to Americans of all faiths. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are restoring constitutional freedoms and making government a place where people of faith are respected, not sidelined.”

Key Provisions of the Guidance

The memo provides several examples of protected religious activities:

• Faith-based conversations: Employees may discuss religious topics with co-workers or even attempt to persuade them of their views, provided the conversations are not harassing or disruptive.

• Expressions of faith in public settings: A park ranger can lead a prayer with a tour group, or a VA doctor may pray for a patient’s recovery.

• Personal religious displays: Workers may keep Bibles, crosses, mezuzahs, or religious artwork at their workstations.

The guidance also draws a clear line between personal religious expression and official government statements, noting that “when public employees make statements pursuant to their official duties, they are not speaking as citizens for First Amendment purposes, and the Constitution does not insulate their communications from employer discipline.”

This memo builds on previous Trump administration efforts to strengthen religious liberty in federal workplaces. In July, OPM issued guidance allowing employees to telework to observe religious obligations such as the Sabbath, holidays, or daily prayer times.

In February, President Trump signed an executive order creating the White House Faith Office to ensure that religious liberty remains a priority across federal agencies.

For decades, federal employees have faced uncertainty and at times outright hostility when it comes to expressing their faith. The new guidance aims to eliminate that ambiguity, affirming that faith-based expression is not only protected but encouraged in a respectful manner.

Trump’s push for religious liberty stands in stark contrast to the previous administration’s approach, which conservatives say often sidelined people of faith in government roles. This new policy signals a cultural and legal shift, ensuring that government workplaces reflect the diversity of Americans’ deeply held religious beliefs.

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