Political appointees can significantly affect Federal agency policies by bringing their ideologies and priorities into decision-making processes. Appointed officials often influence the direction of programs, budget allocations, and regulatory adjustments, reflecting the administration's agenda. Their expertise and vision can shape policy implementation and reform initiatives, impacting the efficacy of government operations. However, such appointments may also lead to partisanship, affecting continuity and stability within agencies, and potentially undermining the nonpartisan role of civil servants in executing laws and policies.