Trump Administration Reinstates Presidential Rank Awards After One-Year Pause

The Trump Administration is reinstating the Presidential Rank Awards (PRAs) for fiscal year (FY) 2026, after canceling them in FY 2025. 

The PRAs are one of the highest awards in federal service. The awards honor exceptional Senior Executive Service (SES) members, along with Senior Level (SL) and Scientific/Technical (ST) employees.

On the call for nominations, OPM Director Scott Kupor said the awards will be given to employees who have “demonstrated strong leadership, earned the respect of their peers, and have made significant and lasting contributions in implementing President Trump’s priorities and delivering outstanding results for the American people.”

OPM also reminded agencies that nominees are “subject to an extremely rigorous review and evaluation process” and should use their Performance Review Boards or other established bodies to “identify nominees that have delivered outstanding results through their efforts and accomplishments.” 

Nomination Process

There are two tiers to the PRAs: The Meritorious Rank recognizes sustained accomplishment, awarded to a maximum of five percent of eligible career SES or SL/ST members annually, while the Distinguished Rank recognizes sustained extraordinary accomplishment, awarded to no more than one percent of eligible career SES or SL/ST annually. 

All agencies, as well as inspector generals, may nominate up to nine percent of their SES, SL, and ST employees.

Nominations are due by February 5 and President Trump will make decisions on award recipients by September 30. Recipients of the meritorious award will receive a cash award of 20 percent of annual basic pay, while recipients of the distinguished award receive a cash award of 35 percent of annual basic pay.

The reinstatement of the program was welcome news to Senior Executives Association (SEA) President Marcus Hill. 

“Restoring these awards sends a clear signal that excellence, accountability and mission impact matter — and that the federal government remains committed to recognizing the dedicated career leaders who deliver results for the American people across administrations,” said Hill to Government Executive. 

The administration did not give a reason for canceling the awards in FY 2025.