Management
100% withholding on Social Security clawbacks scaled back by the Trump administration
The Biden administration had capped the clawbacks at 10%.
Workforce
NASA preparing for steep workforce cuts but hopeful it can avoid more layoffs
The agency is still planning for lunar missions and to keep all of its centers open, though it will likely do so with fewer employees.
Workforce
Despite return-to-office deadline, some VA employees may still work remotely because there's not enough workspace
Veterans Health Administration employees who live within 50 miles of federal office space must begin working fully in person by May 5 if they’re not already, but agency officials said there’ll be leniency if there’s not enough workspace.
Workforce
IRS to lay off taxpayer experience, DEI staff
It is not clear what will happen next to projects being done by the Taxpayer Experience Office, like making IRS notices to taxpayers more simple.
Workforce
Some Hatch Act restrictions loosened under the Trump administration
Based on the new rules, civil servants may be able to display campaign items supporting President Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
Pay & Benefits
Republicans tee up federal worker benefit cuts to pay for tax cuts
Federal workers hired in 2029 would contribute nearly 10% of their basic pay toward a less generous pension if they wish to retain their civil service protections under House lawmakers’ budget reconciliation proposal.
Workforce
Some DHS employees told to send selfies to prove they are in-office as department suddenly ends remote work
Employees are not being promised a place to work, but must report to any nearby office and ask if there is space for them.
Oversight
Connolly, top Democrat on oversight panel, will ‘soon’ leave post due to worsening cancer diagnosis
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., has led criticism of the Trump administration’s attempts to overhaul federal agencies.
Management
Justice Dept. rescinds rules safeguarding media from government seizures
The rules, first issued under former Attorney General Merrick Garland, gave members of the press protections from legal mechanisms to obtain sensitive data linked to their reporting.
Workforce
Some agencies are walking back workforce cuts with critical functions at risk of failure
The agency working on bird flu response is among those making contingency plans to slow down or pause work due to staff shortages.
Tech
Top intelligence lawmaker fears China may exploit DOGE’s changes to government
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., also called out the Trump administration on the recent firing of NSA Director Timothy Haugh, a move he viewed as “puzzling.”
Breaking News
Workforce
Judge blocks Trump’s anti-union executive order
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman on Wednesday expressed skepticism that the president could legally strip two-thirds of the federal workforce of their collective bargaining rights.
Workforce
To support or to sabotage: Public service and public servants in an American democracy
COMMENTARY | "Good government" organizations dedicated to public service may face a quandary when it comes to the winnowing of the federal workforce.
Workforce
Trump executive order makes it easier for agencies to fire probationary employees
The Trump administration’s earlier efforts to mass remove federal probationers had encountered several legal obstacles.
Workforce
Ex-feds launch websites to help unemployed civil servants find new jobs
Many federal employees are looking for positions outside of government following reductions in force and the Trump administration’s push for workers to take separation incentives.
Management
NSF director resigns
Sethuraman Panchanathan confirmed his resignation to NSF employees and the public in two separate statements.
Tech
Transportation consolidates IT personnel and decision-making
Two memos document a new organizational structure that establishes the CIO as the point person for all IT activity across the agency’s various subcomponents.
Exclusive
Workforce
VA forces staff in workforce reduction discussions to sign non-disclosure agreements
Senior leaders are contemplating which jobs to keep and which to slash in meetings, but telling staff they cannot discuss those topics.
Pay & Benefits
Look before you leap from the TSP
For federal employees weighing whether to leave the TSP, five certified financial planners offer their insights on what to be aware of and what flexibilities lay in the private markets.
Workforce