The Trump administration is taking steps to ensure that federal employees can openly practice and express their religious beliefs in the workplace. Earlier this year, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at combating anti-Christian discrimination and launched a commission on religious liberty composed of clergy, policy experts, media figures, and political leaders. Additionally, he created a dedicated faith office to collaborate with faith-based groups.
On Monday, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which oversees federal human resources policies, released a government-wide directive reminding agencies of the laws that protect employees’ rights to religious expression. The guidance also instructs departments to align their policies with the administration’s stance.
“The Federal workforce should be a welcoming place for Federal employees who practice a religious faith. Allowing religious discrimination in the Federal workplace violates the law. It also threatens to adversely impact recruitment and retention of highly-qualified employees of faith,” the memo states.
The document outlines several examples of religious practices that federal workers are entitled to under current policy. These include keeping religious items—such as Bibles or rosaries—at workspaces, engaging in prayer or scripture study during breaks (but not while on duty), and wearing clothing or accessories with religious messages like crosses or faith-themed T-shirts.
Employees are also permitted to engage in religious discussions with colleagues, invite others to religious services, and even host group prayer—provided that participation is voluntary. If a colleague shows disinterest, the guidance advises that the conversation should respectfully end.
According to the OPM memo, government workers are entitled to both private and public expressions of faith in their personal capacity, even while on government property. For instance, a security guard stationed at the entrance of a federal building can use or display personal religious items.
“Federal employees should never have to choose between their faith and their career,” said OPM Director Scott Kupor.
“This guidance ensures the federal workplace is not just compliant with the law but welcoming to Americans of all faiths. Under President Trumpʼs leadership, we are restoring constitutional freedoms and making government a place where people of faith are respected, not sidelined.”
The directive builds on previous guidance issued earlier in the month concerning religious accommodations in the workplace. OPM suggested options like flexible schedules, paid leave, and telework arrangements to help employees observe religious holidays or carry out faith-based practices at specific times.
“For ordinary Catholics serving in government and across the nation, these commitments are not mere policy: they are a restoration of our most fundamental freedoms,” said Kelsey Reinhardt, president of Catholic Vote, a conservative Catholic advocacy organization.
“Living our faith in public, whether by displaying sacramentals on our desks, pausing to pray on a busy workday, or thoughtfully sharing the hope that animates us; has always been part of the American promise.”
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