Workforce
OPM claims agencies can ignore union telework contracts
A new memo instructing agencies to cease enforcing union-negotiated telework policies under the guise of “management rights” could portend future assaults on collective bargaining.
Nextgov
Musk takes aim at GSA tech shop
Elon Musk posted on X that the 18F team behind the IRS Direct File program has been “deleted,” though one staffer told Nextgov/FCW they were still able to work at the time of publication.
Transition
‘Offensive bullshit’: Dem lawmakers call out Trump admin for ‘illegal’ action at USAID
Democratic lawmakers called out “unconstitutional” actions by billionaire Elon Musk and vowed to fight the Trump administration’s attempt to gut the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Opinion
COMMENTARY: Trump's DEI ban can't stop global diversity efforts
Contractors with foreign ownership will have to navigate conflicting U.S. and global diversity requirements, while domestic companies must weigh risks of maintaining programs.
Exclusive
Management
Agency employees told to no longer block any funding from Trump's EOs
Following court order, some agencies have turned spending back on while others are confused an awaiting further guidance.
Companies
How the CEOs of Booz Allen, L3Harris view DOGE's vision
In talking with investors, both chief executives highlight speed and help to the customer as big-picture goals they want to see the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency realize.
Exclusive
Transition
‘Robbery in progress': Small group protests at OPM over Musk allies’ access to federal employee personal data
Several associates of Elon Musk have been put in leadership positions at the Office of Personnel Management as well as the General Services Administration.
Podcasts
WT 360: Taking stock of GovCon and Trump’s first two weeks back in office
Nick and Ross work through the questions they can answer on what has happened so far in the transition to a second Trump administration. They also ponder the questions everyone in the ecosystem is seeking answers to.
Workforce
Trump signs memo that claims to cancel late Biden-era union contracts
Although the president railed against collective bargaining agreements signed at the Social Security Administration and the Education Department shortly before his inauguration, it’s unlikely any of those deals will be upended by the measure.
Workforce
OPM will grant VERA authority to all agencies, as confusion around ‘deferred resignation’ program continues
With just one week before the deadline, many federal workers are still unclear whether they can trust the Trump administration’s offer, or if they are even eligible for it.
Transition
Senior Democrat wants to know who in the Trump White House got Top Secret clearance without a complete background check
Trump issued a memo providing temporary security clearances for certain personnel, arguing delays in their vetting were "unacceptable."
Nextgov
CISA among DHS offices exempt from taking OPM’s deferred buyout offer
President Trump’s DHS chief said she wants to scale back the cybersecurity agency’s size and mission scope.
Transition
Gabbard and Patel hearings display diverging views of reality, history along partisan lines
Senators focused mostly on the nominees’ past statements, rather than how they may lead in their prospective positions.
Exclusive
Workforce
As the Trump administration gathers names of recent hires, some are being asked to justify their jobs
New federal workers are the easiest to fire and the administration is gathering information on their names, backgrounds, roles and performance.
Nextgov
Trump’s FBI pick opposes warrant requirement for contested spying power
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Kash Patel said a warrant for Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act “is just not comported with the requirement to protect American citizenry.”
Nextgov
Gabbard’s past Snowden remarks raise concerns at DNI confirmation hearing
Senators also questioned Trump’s pick to be director of national intelligence over whether a controversial spying authority needed additional reforms in place.
Management
Musk visits and asserts growing influence at GSA
Musk has former employees installed at the government’s HR shop, and several have appeared at its acquisition, tech and real estate agency as well.
Defense One
Trump’s ‘Iron Dome for America’ plan would put weapons in space, at a big cost
It’s a Cold War concept for a mission whose threats and tools have long since changed.
Transition
Democrats worry RFK Jr. could purge ‘thousands’ of federal health employees
Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services secretary said that NIH, FDA and CDC would be integral in his objective to prevent chronic disease.
Nextgov