Tech
US spy chief tapped as White House AI czar
A new task force led by Jay Clayton, the director of national intelligence, will have 120 days to analyze and report on AI’s risks and opportunities, amid growing global calls for AI safety measures.
Defense
Pentagon update on National Defense Strategy cites progress, omits key threats
The report to Congress notes accomplishments but masks depleted arsenals, strategic distractions, and a quiet retreat from European defense.
Tech
White House launches AI-powered ‘America.gov’ digital front door
The president signed an executive order at the event requiring agencies to integrate many of their services with the new website.
Management
Lawmaker warns intelligence contractors' Trump ballroom donations may be scrutinized
Rep. Jim Himes, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, wants to examine whether contributions were tied to federal contracts or access to administration officials.
Tech
Trump wants an ‘AI Force.’ What would that actually look like?
The president compared the proposed unit to Space Force, but offered few details about its mission, authority or place in the federal government.
Management
ICE chief nominee’s path to Senate confirmation ends abruptly
Richard “Lance” Schroyer’s nomination had yet to reach a confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Tech
Trump signs veterans benefits order calling for improved data sharing
The order instructs the departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense to conduct a broad review of information technology-related contracts to ensure greater interoperability.
Workforce
Here’s what Trump’s new ‘Space Academy’ could mean for the US military
A new source for commissioned officers—but is it needed?
Pay & Benefits
Trump formally proposes pay freeze for most federal workers, 3.8% increase for law enforcement
In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the president claimed that denying the federal workforce a pay raise will not hurt agency recruitment and retention efforts.
Defense
How Congress is reshaping the administration's FY27 defense budget
Lawmakers are backing the White House’s spending ambitions in some areas while pushing back on how the Pentagon would spend the money.
Management
Todd Blanche is officially the nation’s top law enforcement official
Trump’s former personal attorney takes over the Justice Department after a contentious Senate confirmation vote.
Tech
The government's AI guardrails are taking shape behind closed doors
A new process could influence how advanced AI is developed and used, even as many of its details remain confidential.
Pay & Benefits
The state of play around the 2027 pay raise, or lack thereof
Thus far, neither chamber of Congress has put forth a plan that would override President Trump’s planned pay freeze for next year.
Oversight
Watchdog puts new numbers on the size of DOGE, but many details remain unknown as agencies refuse to turn over information
In a new report, the Government Accountability Office said it was unable to verify if all Department of Government Efficiency employees completed mandatory activities intended to avoid conflicts of interest.
Management
DOJ nominee faces confirmation hurdle over agency commitments
Todd Blanche’s confirmation faces a potential delay as senators seek written guarantees limiting Trump’s anti-weaponization fund and the scope of audit protections included in a Justice Department settlement agreement.
Management
As presidents gain power, who keeps government accountable?
COMMENTARY | The Supreme Court's decision expanding presidential authority over independent agencies is about more than executive power, it also raises the stakes for congressional oversight, agency leadership and the federal workforce.
Updated
Management
Trump appointees confirmed by the Senate are exiting their jobs in record numbers, report finds
The Partnership for Public Service also reported that the president is making a historically low number of nominations.
Management
Secret Service is examining apparent Iranian video outlining Trump motorcade routes, assassination opportunities
The agency said it is looking into the Persian-language video, which uses polished, apparently AI-generated graphics to depict supposed motorcade routes in Florida and New York.
Defense
How a little-known Trump directive reshaped the government's counterterrorism approach
COMMENTARY | A presidential national security memorandum has become the framework for investigations and prosecutions that critics say raise new questions about executive power and civil liberties.
Management