Management

How William Howard Taft’s approach to government efficiency differed from Elon Musk’s slash-and-burn tactics

President Taft worked with Congress to launch his effort to streamline government, while Trump has taken a different route.

Management

Trump administration tells court publicly releasing its mass layoff plans would hurt recruiting and retention

A judge's order pausing those layoffs is having varying effects at agencies, with at least one temporarily undoing RIF actions.

Management

Standard leadership advice tough to practice under Trump’s government overhaul

Government experts recently offered guidance to public sector leaders on how to successfully manage teams in an unpredictable environment.

Exclusive Management

State Dept. cuts poised to be more severe than previously outlined with 3,400 employees on the chopping block

There were bipartisan concerns from lawmakers about a planned break-up of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, according to meeting notes. Office eliminations are expected by June 2.

Management

FEMA leader ousted, one day after publicly opposing agency’s elimination

Cam Hamilton, senior official performing the duties of the administrator at FEMA, was let go just one day after he testified before Congress about the size and scope of the federal agency.

Management

IRS reverses staffing gains made under Biden

The tax agency has shed over 20,000 employees through the deferred resignation program, and more significant cuts are still expected.

Management

Judge orders halt to the shuttering of three independent agencies

A federal judge found that the Trump administration violated the Constitution, the Administrative Procedure Act and federal spending laws when it ordered the stripping down of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Minority Business Development Agency to their “statutory minimums.”

Management

Limited number of agency senior executives could be rated as ‘outstanding’ under Trump proposal

The Trump administration has sought to exert more political influence over members of the senior executive service.

Management

Trump administration releases first wave of acquisition regulation changes

This set of revisions would significantly shrink the Federal Acquisition Regulation, as well as empower contracting officers and acquisition teams to use their "business judgment" in pushing innovation.

Management

Senate confirms Bisignano to lead Social Security

In a party line vote, Senate Republicans elected to disregard a whistleblower’s allegation that Frank Bisignano had improper contact with the agency to facilitate DOGE operatives’ onboarding.

Management

Push to revoke certain Biden-era rules intensifies as congressional Republicans race against deadline

EPA waivers are being targeted for removal, even though the Government Accountability Office as well as an official who advises on Senate rules said they are exempt from the Congressional Review Act.

Management

Former NSF heads criticize funding and staff cuts at science agency

Former National Science Foundation and National Science Board leads sent a letter to congressional leadership saying the cuts to the agency run contrary to the Trump administration’s priorities.

Management

‘Biohazard’: Forest Service employees warn cuts having devastating, and disgusting, impacts

DOGE is holding up contracts across government and it's affecting everything from firefighting to toilet cleaning.

Management

The biggest takeaways from Trump's cut-filled FY26 budget

See which agencies suffer the most significant reductions as Trump seeks to slash non-defense agencies by 22%.

Management

The Trump administration just dismissed all 400 experts working on America’s official climate report

The White House's recent dismissal of volunteer scientists and experts working on the National Climate Assessment places the anticipated 2027 iteration of the climate change impact report on uncertain ground.

Management

100% withholding on Social Security clawbacks scaled back by the Trump administration

The Biden administration had capped the clawbacks at 10%.

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.