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
Senate Democrats want details on DOGE and DHS attempts to access IRS data
The IRS reportedly rejected the broad requests for taxpayer information, but the lawmakers worry recent actions have “left the door open for future requests.”
Management
Judge: Musk and Trump’s effort to disband USAID is likely unconstitutional
U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang found that the Trump administration and Elon Musk violated the constitutional separation of powers and the Appointments Clause when it ordered the shuttering of the foreign aid agency.
Defense
Pentagon hiring freeze holds previously approved job moves hostage
Civilians have sent their belongings overseas but are trapped at their duty stations.
Defense
Pentagon’s efforts to slash civilian workforce continue to cause confusion
Most civilian promotions and internal transfers are on hold pending new guidance.
Updated
Workforce
Agencies are placing reinstated employees in leave status. Judge says that violates his order.
To date, only the Transportation Department is promising its reinstated probationary employees will soon be back on the job.
Workforce
Trump continues to curtail union rights and career pipelines
Guidance issued by the Office of Personnel Management last week instructs agencies to ignore union contract provisions on reductions in force, and apply its policies.
Pay & Benefits
Interior Department offers buyouts, early outs to staff as it looks to build housing on federal lands
DOI will work with HUD to identify lands to offload for the development of affordable homes.
News
Shutdown averted: Enough Senate Democrats vote with the GOP to pass a government funding bill
Democrats were split on the vote, with some wanting to use it as leverage to fight Department of Government Efficiency cuts.
Exclusive
Management
Trump administration cancels translation services for those seeking to access or correct their immigration status
The lack of translation services will lead to more people being improperly denied benefits or jobs, experts say.
Exclusive
Workforce
Commerce seeks to cut 20% of staff—without using layoffs
The department will implement a series of RIF avoidance measures to meet Trump's mandate to cut staff.
News
To avert a government shutdown, Senate Democratic leader says he’ll vote with the GOP
A shutdown would begin after Friday without congressional action.
Exclusive
Management
SSA weighs axing payments to 170,000 beneficiaries
The move to cease making payments to people without Social Security numbers would imperil the benefits of thousands of immigrants’ children with disabilities.
Management
DOGE to work with USPS to find efficiencies, DeJoy says
The mailing agency will work with GSA and the group led by Elon Musk, who has called for Postal Service privatization.
Updated
Workforce
Judge orders reinstatement for most fired probationary federal workers
The firings were "based on a lie," judge says, who suggests he may extend his order beyond the roughly 24,000 already included.
Management