President Trump signed a massive immigration enforcement bill and an executive order reclassifying 8,000 federal employees, signaling a significant expansion of executive authority over the administrative state.
The balance of power in Washington shifted further toward the executive branch this week as President Trump signed the “Secure America Act,” a $70 billion immigration enforcement package, while simultaneously issuing an executive order that fundamentally alters the federal civil service. These twin actions represent a coordinated effort to secure both the financial resources and the personnel flexibility necessary to execute a high-intensity domestic agenda through 2029. By utilizing budget reconciliation to bypass the Senate filibuster, Republicans have successfully insulated the administration’s deportation machinery from future legislative interference for the remainder of the presidential term.
The legislation, S. 2, passed the House 214–212 and the Senate 52–47, following a process that saw GOP leaders reject various amendments aimed at adding accountability measures or redirecting funds to domestic social priorities. The bill provides $38 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and $26 billion for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with an additional $5 billion set aside for contingencies. Notably, the funding is front-loaded and structured to roll forward over the next three fiscal years. This appropriation comes on top of $170 billion previously allocated to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) via last year’s tax-relief package, effectively tripling ICE’s recent annual budget levels.
Beyond the fiscal infusion, the White House has moved to reshape the bureaucracy that will manage these funds. A new executive order establishing “Schedule Policy/Career” has immediately reclassified approximately 8,000 federal employees, primarily at the GS-15 level, as at-will staff. This move revives the “Schedule F” concept, stripping senior policy, budget, and communications officials of standard civil-service appeal rights. The administration maintains this is necessary to ensure accountability and the faithful execution of presidential directives, allowing for the removal of staff for “subversion of Presidential directives” without lengthy procedural hurdles. Workforce unions warn this targets the very civil servants responsible for implementing immigration and homeland security policy.
The executive branch is also tightening its grip on trade and border operations through a new order directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to expedite the seizure of non-compliant imports. Importers will now face stricter bonding requirements and recurrent vetting procedures. These measures, combined with recent proclamations adjusting tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper, demonstrate a preference for unilateral executive action in areas traditionally subject to intense congressional negotiation. Within 90 days, DHS is expected to enhance the disposal of non-compliant imports, further centralizing trade enforcement under the direct supervision of the White House.
While the White House frames these developments as a victory for efficiency and national security, the legislative structure of the Secure America Act represents a significant departure from standard appropriations. By locking in multi-year funding without the usual accountability measures or riders, Congress has effectively ceded its “power of the purse” for the remainder of the term. This provides the executive branch with unprecedented discretion in how it conducts mass deportations, with the stated goal of targeting roughly one million people per year. Advocacy groups have branded the measure an “ATM for ICE,” noting that the lump-sum structure has unusually few guardrails.
As the administration prepares to deploy these resources, the broader geopolitical context remains volatile. The 60-day negotiation period for a comprehensive U.S.-Iran nuclear deal began on June 19, even as President Trump threatened tolls in the Strait of Hormuz. Vice President Vance’s technical talks in Switzerland were delayed by renewed fighting in Lebanon, highlighting the complex international backdrop against which these domestic policy shifts are occurring. Ultimately, the combination of S. 2 and the reclassification of the federal workforce suggests a permanent shift toward a more centralized, executive-led administrative state.
Miles Harrington serves as the Senior Correspondent for Federal Systems & Executive Power at Just Right News, where he brings a disciplined, constitutionalist lens to the inner workings of the American government. With a focus on the mechanics of the federal bureaucracy and the limits of executive authority, Harrington has established himself as a vital voice for readers who value transparency, accountability, and the preservation of the separation of powers.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Harrington’s perspective is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old Dominion. Growing up in a city defined by its historical significance and its role as a center of American jurisprudence, he developed an early appreciation for the foundational principles of the Republic. His upbringing in Richmond—a place where the legacy of the Founding Fathers is woven into the landscape—instilled in him a belief that the federal government should remain within its constitutional bounds. This background informs his skepticism of centralized overreach and his commitment to reporting on the ways in which the administrative state impacts the lives of everyday citizens.
In his current role, Harrington specializes in the complexities of federal systems. He doesn’t just report on the headlines of the day; he digs into the structural shifts within the executive branch that often go unnoticed by the mainstream press. Whether he is analyzing the implications of a new federal regulation or investigating the expansion of agency jurisdiction, his work is characterized by a rigorous adherence to the facts and a dedication to the rule of law.
Harrington is perhaps best known for his signature feature series, “How Washington Works.” Through this ongoing project, he demystifies the often-opaque processes of the nation’s capital, pulling back the curtain on the “Deep State” and the unelected officials who wield significant influence over national policy. By breaking down complex legislative maneuvers and executive orders, he empowers Just Right News readers to understand the true levers of power in Washington. His reporting serves as a necessary check on the federal government, ensuring that the actions of those in power are held up to the light of public scrutiny.
Now based in Washington, D.C., Harrington operates at the epicenter of the political world, yet he remains intentionally distanced from the “Beltway bubble.” His proximity to the halls of power allows him to maintain a robust network of sources across the federal landscape, but his heart remains in the principled conservatism of his Virginia roots. He views his role not merely as a reporter, but as a steward of the public trust, dedicated to providing the clarity and context that conservative voters need to navigate an increasingly complex political environment.
Through his sharp analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth, Miles Harrington continues to be a cornerstone of the Just Right News team. His work ensures that the principles of limited government and executive restraint remain at the forefront of the national conversation, providing a crucial service to those who believe in a government that is truly of, by, and for the people.