Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has pledged to remove college degree prerequisites for certain federal jobs if she wins the upcoming presidential election. This commitment was made during a speech in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on Friday, as reported by Reuters. The proposal forms part of her economic strategy to attract voters in the closely contested race against former President Donald Trump.
Harris stated, “As president, I will get rid of the unnecessary degree requirements for federal jobs to increase jobs for folks without a four-year degree.” This statement addresses the reality that over 62% of Americans aged 25 or older lack a bachelor’s degree, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Harris further emphasized the importance of recognizing alternative paths to success, such as apprenticeships and technical programs. She urged the private sector to adopt similar practices, arguing that a degree doesn’t necessarily reflect a person’s skills.
Despite facing brief interruptions from protesters opposing U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza, Harris reiterated her support for a ceasefire and a hostage rescue deal.
Harris’s pledge arrives on the heels of former President Trump’s promise to overhaul the federal workforce, potentially affecting 150,000 jobs. In a video posted on his campaign website, Trump asserted, “I will immediately reissue my 2020 Executive Order restoring the president’s authority to remove rogue bureaucrats. And I will wield that power very aggressively.”
Previously, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a known supporter of Trump, addressed the feasibility of reducing government size. He expressed his belief that eliminating “nonsense regulations” and transitioning workers from the public to the private sector could lead to significant national prosperity, potentially ushering in a “golden age.”
Government jobs have been on the rise, with 70,000 added in June, despite being near 60-year lows. Notably, NASA has been recognized as the Best Place to Work in the Federal Government for the 12th consecutive year, underscoring the appeal of federal jobs.
