The First 100 Days
Survey says…most Americans don’t like DOGE
New polling data from the Partnership for Public Service shows that nearly double the number of surveyed respondents thought Trump’s federal workforce overhauls would have negative impacts compared with those who supported the policies, but there were sharp divides between Republicans and Democrats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Breaking News
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.
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.
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.
Exclusive
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.
Interior solicits employees' resumes in preparation for widespread layoffs
A reorganization and consolidation effort is expected to begin within two weeks and employees are already heading for the exits in droves.
Judge grills administration on ‘broad discretion’ to break up federal unions
A Justice Department attorney appeared to argue that it is within the president’s rights to strip ‘resistant’ unions of their collective bargaining rights under the auspices of national security.
Ousted independent agency leaders detail how they’re fighting their firings
President Donald Trump has sought to exert more influence over independent agencies, which are supposed to be led by members of both parties and have some degree of separation from the White House.
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Dudek calls for entire SSA offices to be converted to new Schedule F
The planned conversions, intended for federal workers in policy-related positions, affect employees making as little as $40,000 per year.
Judge orders Trump administration to bring back U.S. Agency for Global Media staff
The president in an executive order sought to eliminate the agency’s non-statutory components and functions, but a federal judge criticized how officials determined what parts of USAGM aren't required by law.
Trump laid off nearly all the federal workers who investigate firefighter deaths
At least two-thirds of the employees at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health were notified on April 1 that they had been laid off or will be in June. That includes almost all of the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program.
Updated
State to slash 15% of domestic staff, eliminate 132 offices
Layoffs expected by July 1, though embassy and overseas closures are not yet part of the plan
Trump administration lacks standing to sue to enforce anti-labor executive order, union says
The American Federation of Government Employees argued that the Trump administration’s effort to procure a “declarative” judgment in favor of an executive order stripping two-thirds of the federal workforce of their collective bargaining rights is effectively fishing for a federal judge’s advisory opinion, which is unlawful.
Updated
As re-firings begin, judge demands Trump administration tell probationary employees they were not let go for poor performance
Court declines to block more firings of recently hired staff, saying individual agencies are now making their own decisions.
DOGE is building a ‘master database’ of sensitive information, top Oversight Democrat says
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., is calling on the Social Security Administration’s watchdog to investigate whistleblower claims that the efficiency team is compiling potentially sensitive data across several government agencies.
Rubio denies that Trump will politicize the Foreign Service and slash embassies
State Department says a draft executive order, which would have created new loyalty requirements for career staff and eliminated many offices, is fake. A reorganization of the department is still expected shortly.
OPM proposes rule to formally revive Schedule F
The federal government’s dedicated HR agency estimates that 50,000 federal workers will be stripped of their civil service protections and become at-will employees.
