Oversight
House Dems: Trump is starving inspectors generals of resources, blocking investigations
Some inspector general offices have reported 20 to 30% decreases in staffing as a result of the administration’s myriad efforts to shrink the size of the federal workforce.
Management
Troops in DC to help with ‘monument security,’ ‘area beautification’
Pentagon officials had few details to offer Wednesday about the National Guard’s role in the unprecedented deployment.
Oversight
Good government group alleges Commerce secretary violated federal ethics law
Several government officials have run afoul of the Hatch Act in recent years for making political comments in their official capacities during media interviews.
Management
FAR Council releases changes to 6 sections of acquisition regulation
The White House celebrated the changes as a milestone in its effort to overhaul and simplify the rules surrounding federal buying.
Breaking News
Management
Trump may proceed with dismantling and mass layoffs at CFPB, court rules
About 90% of the agency's staff were expected to receive RIF notices.
Workforce
On Social Security’s 90th birthday, the Trump administration continues to tout faulty stats
At a White House ceremony, the president and Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano repeatedly recited already debunked myths about the Social Security Administration’s customer service and benefits fraud.
Updated
Workforce
‘It’s just too much’: CDC employees have faced layoffs, vaccine misinformation and now — violence
A shooter who recently attacked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s headquarters was upset about the COVID-19 vaccine, police said.
Tech
GSA introduces USAi.Gov to streamline AI adoption across government
The new platform will be available to all agencies beginning Thursday, allowing government users to explore, experiment with and adopt a variety of AI tools.
Pay & Benefits
Bill would give all workers federal-level retirement benefits
A sweeping proposal could extend Federal Employees Retirement System–level pensions to the private sector, reshaping how Americans plan for retirement.
Management
Veterans Affairs reduces claims backlog at record rate
The Veterans Affairs Department processed more disability compensation and pension claims in fiscal 2025 than any other previous year.
Workforce
Amid staffing cuts, Forest Service wants seasonal firefighters to work more hours this year
One employee says the Trump administration is "scared as hell about staffing" as it enters peak wildfire season.
Workforce
Trump administration nixes union contracts at FEMA, USCIS, food safety agencies
Union officials warn that their excision from federal workplaces will ultimately degrade service to the public.
Updated
Workforce
Layoffs canceled at federal contractor oversight office, but questions remain about employee reassignments
Employees at the Labor Department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs received a notice that they will get new job assignments rather than be removed from the civil service.
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