Transition
Chaos reigns across government as Trump freezes large swaths of federal spending
"It is blatantly unconstitutional," one senator says as agencies grapple with pausing nearly all grants and loan programs.
Updated
Transition
Inspectors general’s role as independent government watchdogs in question after Trump firings
Many inspector general offices will be headed by acting leaders in the interim, which could weaken the effectiveness of their oversight.
Tech
Gregory Barbaccia named federal CIO
The Palantir alum has also served in the Army and as an intelligence analyst.
Workforce
White House collects lists of federal DEI office employees as punishments begin
Agencies are starting to take action against DEI-tasked employees and pass lists of those workers on to OPM and the White House.
Transition
Musk visits OPM following workforce assignments for DOGE
Amanda Scales, a former employee of Elon Musk’s AI company, was recently tapped to be the chief of staff at OPM.
Workforce
New Schedule F guidance shows the Trump White House is rearing for a fight
Trump administration officials elected to bypass the regulatory process to rescind Biden-era rules aimed at barring Schedule F’s revival, setting up a bigger fight over the president's authority.
Transition
Here’s a look at the busy week ahead for Trump’s Cabinet nominees
Things could get even more dicey this week in the narrowly GOP-controlled Senate, as multiple Cabinet picks set to testify have raised eyebrows among senators on both sides of the aisle.
Workforce
Agencies to soon detail how they will overcome unions, office space issues to bring all staff in-person
The White House and OPM are asking for specifics in how agencies will comply with Trump's return-to-office order.
Oversight
Trump fires multiple agency inspectors general
Sen. Grassley and a top watchdog said Trump did not adhere to congressional notification requirements about such removals.
Management
Trump suggests eliminating FEMA while touring disaster site
It’s unclear what actions the president could take to reorganize the agency without congressional approval.
Pay & Benefits
Congressional Republicans mull plans to gash feds’ pay, benefits and job security
GOP lawmakers are once again considering a litany of proposals that would require federal workers to pay more in exchange for less retirement and health care benefits.
Management
Contractors face greater scrutiny from anti-DEI executive orders
President Trump’s actions come with enforcement provisions that encourage employees to report on their companies.
Management
Congress passes migrant detention bill that DHS said it can’t enforce without more resources
The Laken Riley Act is set to be the first bill Trump signs into law after it passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support.
Tech
HHS pause on external comms delaying upcoming health summits
Two planned events have been indefinitely postponed as a result of the Trump administration’s freeze on HHS-related mass communications and public appearances.
Management
VA wants hiring freeze exemptions for 300,000 roles
The acting Veterans Affairs secretary said in a Jan. 21 memo that the requested exemptions cover positions critical to the delivery of health care services.
Workforce
Ousted career execs at DOJ are considering options after being given vague rationale for firings
The dismissals came just hours after Trump's inauguration and raises questions of the president's legal authorities.
Pay & Benefits
Tips to prepare for the future of your federal career
Keep calm, and keep good records.
Management
Dems say thwarting Trump's controversial OMB pick is a top priority
The senators are still looking for a bipartisan coalition to vote down Russ Vought, a man they said "exudes hate for federal employees."
Workforce
FAA employees with disabilities targeted by Trump's anti-DEI push
Despite current policy, the FAA during Trump’s first administration actively sought to recruit workers with disabilities.
Workforce