Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The White House has approved critical position pay authority for up to 400 positions supporting national security investment programs, according to a presidential memorandum. These roles may receive salaries up to $400,000, reflecting market comparability and national security needs.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), will allocate these positions across executive agencies and approve pay rates. The roles aim to attract highly skilled professionals in investment, engineering, finance, and legal fields to advance critical minerals, advanced materials, and essential supply chain components.
This measure supports the administration's goal of accelerating American mineral production and securing key technologies. The intent is to build a workforce capable of driving major investment initiatives to reduce foreign reliance, strengthen industrial resilience, and protect strategic interests.
OPM will oversee use of the critical position pay authority to ensure it is applied only when necessary to recruit or retain exceptionally qualified individuals. The memorandum states it does not affect existing legal authorities of departments, agencies, or agency heads, nor the OMB director's budgetary or legislative functions.