Management
SSA said it removed strict ID requirements on its phone line, but internal policy says otherwise
The agency said in a recent regulatory filing that the identification pin had been made optional for those wishing to change direct deposit information over the phone. Internal policy says they’re still required.
Pay & Benefits
OPM urges ‘objective’ ratings in employee awards under new performance rules
The new policies called for restarting the Presidential Rank Awards in fiscal 2026, but emphasized performance metrics “be differentiated in a meaningful and objective manner” to recognize federal employees.
Exclusive
Management
After firing of BLS chief, Lutnick tells federal statisticians that independence is ‘nonsense’
Employees should only focus on accuracy and getting “the right answer,” Commerce secretary says.
Workforce
Fewer Republicans view a nonpartisan civil service as essential, survey shows
The Partnership for Public Service’s survey also found that trust in the federal government increased from 23% in 2024 to 33%, driven largely by more positive views from GOP respondents.
Management
Trump administration cuts to terrorism prevention departments could leave Americans exposed
COMMENTARY | The U.S. military and law enforcement's counterterrorism efforts are largely grounded in responding to threats, while the federal government's prevention efforts have largely been winnowed due to ongoing personnel reductions.
Tech
How Trump’s DC takeover could supercharge surveillance
The emergency declaration, combined with new tech, will give government broad new abilities to watch and monitor citizens.
Management
DOGE can maintain access to federal personnel data, court rules
The DOGE affiliates will also keep unfettered access to federal education and taxpayer information.
Management
Trump taps economist from the Heritage Foundation to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The nominee, E.J. Antoni, has harshly criticized the previous BLS commissioner.
Management
FBI report: U.S. crime rates fell nationwide in 2024
Violent crime fell by 4.5% last year, including a nearly 15% drop in homicides.
Management
Judge orders White House budget office to reveal information about spending decisions
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit mandated that the Office of Management and Budget restore a website detailing federal spending timelines.
Workforce
EPA becomes the second federal agency to cancel its union contracts
In an email Friday, an official claimed the continued recognition of unions at EPA would constitute “irreparable harm to national security” at the agency responsible for fighting pollution.
Management
Trump federalizes D.C. police, says takeover will enable federal employees to work in peace
Agency officials say federal staff are excited and prepared for new deployments.
Oversight
Under fire, GAO explains its mission to Congress
COMMENTARY | The Government Accountability Office publishes a blog to explain its role amid threatened budget cuts and rhetoric that questions its value.
Management
IRS chief to leave agency less than two months after assuming the role
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will take over, becoming the sixth person to head IRS in Trump's second term.
Management
Federal grants must ‘demonstrably advance’ Trump’s agenda, president orders
Trump’s new federal grants process has employees concerned over added bureaucracy and politicization.
Workforce
OPM orders deletion of federal workers’ vaccination records
The announcement came hours after a formal dissolution of a lawsuit challenging the Biden-era requirement that federal employees be vaccinated against COVID-19, which hasn’t been enforced since 2023.
Management
Trump is outpacing his first term in deleting environmental information
The restriction of language and removal of information makes it harder to address climate issues, say the authors of a new report on environmental information under Trump 2.0.
Management
New Postal Service leader lends support to controversial modernization plan
Postmaster General David Steiner said the controversial Delivering for America plan puts the U.S. Postal Service “on the right path.”
Management
From a retired federal worker: Realizing I’m not special changed my leadership
COMMENTARY | How embracing a simple truth about federal service reshaped a leader’s approach to managing people and priorities.
Workforce