Defense
Who Are They? Unmarked Security Forces in DC Spark Fear
Mistaken for mercenaries, armed personnel from federal agencies refuse to identify themselves to street protestors and media.
Defense
Service Chiefs Acknowledge Racism in the Ranks, Pledge Dialogue, Change
After days of civil unrest and several Esper missteps, each one of the service branch chiefs has begun to speak out.
Defense
James Mattis Denounces Trump as a Threat to the Constitution
In an extraordinary condemnation, the former defense secretary backs protesters and says the president is trying to turn Americans against one another.
Management
Contractors for Trump’s Controversial $3 Billion Food Aid Program Have Hired a Longtime Lobbyist to Tout Their Work
Lawmakers are asking why some federal contractors in Trump’s food aid program apparently lack qualifications to deliver the goods. Companies hired a consultant to tell positive stories.
Defense
Can the President Really Order the Military to Occupy U.S. Cities and States?
President Trump has warned that he will send the military into states to curb protests. Is Trump’s warning bluster? Or does the president have the authority to send the military into American cities?
Defense
Pentagon Says Guard Did Not Tear-Gas Protesters; Downplays Role In Militarized Response
A senior official also said the secretary of Defense was unaware of the plan to clear a public park for a Trump photo op.
Defense
Trump, GOP Allies Reach For Military Response To Domestic Protests
In startling language, Defense Secretary Mark Esper referred to American streets as “the battlespace.”
Management
Analysis: The Justice Department Has Had to Twist Itself in Knots to Defend Trump on Emoluments
For decades, the department has interpreted the Constitution to err on the side of country first. Now all that has changed.
Management
Revenge of the Obamacrats
Obama’s top environmental official wanted nothing to do with politics after leaving the government. What did it take to bring her back?
Oversight
Analysis: Congress May Not Like It When Trump Fires An Inspector General – But It Can’t Do Anything To Stop Him
President Trump isn't the first president to get rid of inspectors general. He is the first to assert that inspectors general investigations into his administration's actions are unconstitutional.
Defense
Senate Intel Panel Advances Ratcliffe Nomination In Party-Line Vote
The former Texas prosecutor is a deeply controversial pick for the nation’s top spy.
Defense
Fired State IG Was Investigating Saudi Arms Sale
A key House Democrat says that might be why he was fired.
Oversight
Trump’s Decision to Fire the State Department’s Watchdog Draws Bipartisan Concern on Capitol Hill
Some Republicans say the president failed to provide an adequate justification to Congress.
Management
Trump Administration Details Efforts to Support Peaceful Presidential Transition
Watchdog group points to “significant ethics problems” among some of the White House Transition Coordinating Council members.
Defense
62% Disapprove of Trump’s Coronavirus Response, Reader Survey Finds
Most respondents feel “less safe” because of the president’s actions. Esper gets higher marks, but many fear premature reopening.
Oversight
Pence’s 'Special Envoy' in Foreign Aid Office Sparked an Ethics Complaint Just Weeks After He Started His Job
Weeks before joining the administration, Max Primorac, a USAID appointee and adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, pushed the business interests of a client to an organization funded by USAID.
Management
Watchdogs Criticize Trump Administration's Deregulation Efforts During Pandemic
Meanwhile, the administration says the red tape rollback is central to boosting coronavirus testing and economic revival.
Pay & Benefits
White House Orders TSP Board to Halt International Fund Index Change
After months of lobbying, President Trump has intervened in the independent agency’s decision to shift foreign investments to a more expansive index of international firms.
Defense
Coronavirus Hits Top US Officials
Senior officials in the White House and the Pentagon are now sidelined by the virus.
Defense