Transition
‘Reclaim power from unaccountable bureaucracy’: Trump touts early actions against federal workforce in address to Congress
The president praised Elon Musk’s cost-cutting initiatives during his speech to Congress, the first of his second term.
Exclusive
Workforce
VA plans to lay off as many as 83,000 employees this year
A leaked memo released Tuesday called for VA to slash its workforce to 2019 levels that were in place before millions of veterans became newly eligible for care.
Workforce
NTEU leaders vow to fight amid IRS return-to-office mandate
Internal Revenue Service employees have just one week to prepare for the end of telework at the agency, as management disregards union contract provisions governing the workplace flexibility.
Management
GSA lease terminations hit GAO offices doing national security work
Some of the terminated leases include buildings with spaces designed to exchange classified information on defense programs.
Oversight
Judge blocks Trump administration from firing Democratic member of Merit Systems Protection Board
The ruling follows a weekend decision to stop the removal of Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger, who has pushed back on the firings of probationary employees.
Contracts
Some cancelled VA contracts disappear from ‘Wall of Receipts’ as more cuts loom
Despite inconsistencies, veteran-owned businesses are bearing the brunt of the DOGE-driven eliminations at the Veterans Affairs Department.
Workforce
OPM retroactively edits probationary firing guidance to note it did not order probationary firings
Trump administration tweaks its guidance after a judge called OPM's role unlawful.
Workforce
‘Prelude to privatization:’ Social Security confirms workforce reduction targets, continues to shutter offices
Despite most of the agency being exempt from deferred resignations and the government-wide hiring freeze, early retirement and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments are now available to the entire agency workforce.
Management
McMahon confirmed to lead Education Department ahead of anticipated layoffs
The incoming secretary said during her confirmation hearing that eliminating the Education Department, a priority of President Donald Trump, would require congressional approval.
Contracts
VA targets 585 ‘non-mission critical’ contracts for elimination
The Veterans Affairs Department claims $900 million in savings and that the cuts will not impact health care, benefits or services.
Updated
Workforce
Many federal employees ordered to submit recent accomplishments for second Musk email
Government workers have been instructed not to include classified or sensitive information in their responses.
Management
NOAA terminates space, climate and marine life advisory committees
Experts caution the groups play a key role in ensuring agencies use the best available science in their decision making.
Opinion
COMMENTARY: The chainsaw approach to cutting government promises more damage than results
The new GovCon oversight strategy seems to go like this: Make big, broad accusations of wrongdoing and then watch your targets squirm.
Companies
ICF lays out the risks, opportunities from Trump's push for cuts
The company has quantified the risks from actions like stop-work orders and contract terminations, but is also looking at the tech business as where some opportunity exists.
Updated
Workforce
Some agencies are still firing probationers while others have recalled theirs, following court ruling
There appears to be confusion throughout the Trump administration as to the impacts of the court's decision, with some agencies pausing their personnel actions to assess the fallout.
Nextgov
12 senior executives at the Federal Acquisition Service head for the exits
The agency had 34 senior executive service members in September 2024.
Workforce
12 senior executives at the Federal Acquisition Service head for the exits
The agency had 34 senior executive service members in September 2024.
Updated
Workforce
Trump plans to surge air traffic controller hiring following plane accidents
The Biden administration also prioritized Federal Aviation Administration hiring, achieving some success.
Workforce
House Dems: Immediately reinstate fired feds
A group of 85 lawmakers called on the Office of Special Counsel to broaden its recommendation earlier this week to stay the firing of six employees on probationary periods to all probationary workers purged in recent days.
Management