Workforce
HUD won’t grant rehired probationary workers back pay, FEHB benefits, despite law requiring it
Title 5 of the U.S. Code mandates that when a federal employee is reinstated following an improper adverse personnel action, their employing agency must grant them back pay for their time spent off the job.
Transition
Democratic attorneys general face off with Trump administration over rehiring fired feds
U.S. District Judge James Bredar told the plaintiffs and government he will need more details by 10 a.m. ET Thursday before he can make a decision.
Management
Senators grill Bisignano about contact with SSA and DOGE officials
The nominee to lead the Social Security Administration acknowledged knowing one DOGE operative for 20 years, but denied improper contacts with officials prior to his confirmation, despite whistleblower accounts to the contrary.
Updated
Management
Bill to fast track approval of Trump and Musk agency cuts advanced by House committee
Presidents have previously had the authority to propose government reorganization plans that Congress must approve or reject.
Management
After DeJoy's departure, postal unions vow to fight any effort to upend USPS
The union officials are optimistic the postal board will choose a leader who believes in a public Postal Service.
Defense
DOD cuts $580M in programs, contracts and grants
The latest round of Pentagon spending cuts — which include a delayed HR software program — brings the department’s running total of eliminated programs to $800 million since the start of the Trump administration.
Tech
SSA tech shop to be led by another DOGE associate
Scott Coulter will replace the agency’s previous CIO, who has been moved to a senior advisor position at SSA.
News
Judge bars DOGE access to sensitive personal information at 3 federal agencies
OPM and the Education and Treasury departments are subject to a temporary injunction barring them from disclosing certain information to DOGE while a privacy lawsuit is ongoing.
Management
DOGE's attempt to be a force for genuine reform will depend on its decision-making
COMMENTARY | The Elon Musk-backed efficiency initiative should rely on sound decision-making as well as selecting sustainable preferences, argue two scholars.
Workforce
Trump memo grants governmentwide firing power to OPM
Experts speculated that the measure is intended to address recent judgments against the administration’s workforce actions or to grant DOGE-aligned officials the ability to fire resisters.
Tech
USPS plans to use AI to enhance customer service
USPS Vice President for Customer Experience Marc McCrery said the agency is looking to switch its call center platform to a cloud-based application this summer, which he said will be “the start of our AI journey.”
Management
GSA to ‘quadruple' in size to centralize procurement across the government
The head of GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service told employees at a Thursday meeting that the agency will “do about $400 billion” in procurement management under this effort.
Management
Trump signs order directing the Education secretary to shut down the department
The order is sure to draw legal challenges.
Workforce
SSA cancels telework with just a weekend’s notice
Union officials said the sudden and indefinite suspension of most bargaining unit employees’ telework agreements amounts to a de facto termination, despite acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek’s promise to honor labor contracts.
Updated
Management
VA blocks its benefits employees from speaking freely to the department’s lawyers
Attorneys at VA, who play a key role in helping veterans receive benefits, are the latest in the Trump administration to face potential sidelining.
Oversight
Democratic oversight leader warns against staff cuts to agency FOIA offices
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., is requesting details from agencies after high-profile removals by the Trump administration of officials who handle Freedom of Information Act requests.
Defense
The Pentagon is asking 364 fired probationary employees to come back
So far, about 65 have been reinstated, according to a Wednesday court filing.
Management
SSA head’s 3-month plan touts workforce reductions while calling for identity and AI investment
The acting commissioner at SSA said that he has “made some mistakes” and promised to learn from them in an email to staff Tuesday.
Workforce
Housing agencies begin closing offices, escorting employees out
HUD and FHFA are shutting down some functions, with more cuts expected soon and power consolidation already underway.
Oversight