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OPM Director Abruptly Quits
The government’s top HR manager Dale Cabaniss was reportedly frustrated by White House interference.
Office of Personnel Management Director Dale Cabaniss resigned unexpectedly Tuesday evening as federal agencies struggle to cope with the spread of the novel coronavirus that has brought life to a halt for millions of Americans.
As the human resources chief for the federal workforce, Cabaniss was a key player in the Trump administration’s efforts to protect and support the federal workers necessary to provide critical resources to Americans, from ensuring border security to processing tax returns. The administration has been heavily criticized for failing to provide clear guidance to agencies during the quickly evolving situation.
Just six months on the job, the former chair of the Federal Labor Relations Authority apparently had grown increasingly frustrated by interference by John McEntee, the 29-year-old head of the White House Personnel Office, according to a report from Politico:
“McEntee's return to the White House has roiled the administration with some officials criticizing the former Trump campaign staffer for what they see as an effort to stock the administration with his friends, including at least three college seniors. McEntee has not responded to questions on stories touching on the hires.”
Michael Rigas, OPM’s deputy director, will lead the agency on an acting basis, an agency spokesperson told Federal News Network.