Nextgov
What Trump’s inaugural address means for federal employees
Many of Trump’s expected Day 1 executive orders will impact government workers.
Contracts
GSA will ‘recommit’ to ‘founding purpose,’ says acting administrator
Stephen Ehikian, previously of Salesforce, has been tapped to serve as GSA’s acting administrator.
Workforce
Trump to again freeze federal hiring
The new president will allow some exceptions, but says the freeze is necessary to root out "useless and overpaid" activists from federal rolls.
Defense One
Trump will send troops to build barriers on the southern border, official says
After his swearing-in on Monday, the new president will declare a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, a staffer told reporters.
Updated
Management
Trump's Day 1 border actions will empower DHS staff and deploy military
The incoming president will seek to "end asylum" and limit restrictions on federal personnel.
Defense One
Tracking Trump’s national-security conflicts of interest
Experts say the businessman-turned-president has even more entanglements this time around.
Transition
What to know about executive orders as Trump prepares to take office
What are executive orders — and how do presidents use them? Here’s what to know about them and the scope of their power.
Defense One
For Trump and Musk, reforming how the Pentagon works is possible—but not easy
Fixing Pentagon acquisition will take confronting Congress, officials say.
Nextgov
Trump’s DHS pick says CISA is ‘far off-mission’ and should be smaller
Current South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem wants CISA to be “refocused” on critical infrastructure and to no longer address mis- or disinformation efforts online.
Transition
Biden lauds federal workforce’s dedication in farewell letter
The outgoing president thanked federal employees for their dedication and reflected on his administration's policy achievements and accomplishments.
Companies
Accenture Federal’s new CEO eyes AI-driven transformation during Trump 2.0
Ron Ash sees agencies as having opportunities ahead to modernize legacy systems and improve efficiency by harnessing the power of new tools like agentic artificial intelligence.
Nextgov
Trump’s Treasury pick pledges to keep IRS Direct File open this tax season
Scott Bessent, Trump’s pick for Treasury Secretary, said that he would have to study the long-term future of the tool. Republicans on Capitol Hill, however, have panned Direct File.
Defense One
Trump taps NRO official as Air Force secretary
The move emphasizes the next administration's pro-space agenda.
Contracts
Biden signs executive order inspired by lessons from recent cyberattacks
The order gives CISA more eyes to hunt cyber threats on government networks and directs agencies and contractors to be more transparent about the security of their software stockpiles.
Companies
US ‘has to win’ the AI innovation race, OpenAI exec says
Senior Vice President of Global Affairs Chris Lehane commended a recent executive order opening federal land to AI data center development and posited ways to encourage states to back AI development.
Nextgov
Trump pick for CIA chief pledges to remain apolitical amid past controversies
John Ratcliffe was questioned over whether he’d remain an impartial national security official after past incidents as Trump’s former director of national intelligence.
Companies
Industry execs push for mission-focused cyber strategies, not just compliance
Cybersecurity investments should focus on operational efficiency and threat prevention, as a group of participants put it during an industry roundtable.
Defense One
‘I know what I don’t know,’ SecDef pick says at confirmation hearing
Hegseth faced questions about his inexperience and fitness as a leader.
Transition
Reported Trump ‘loyalty tests’ for national security officials spur criticism
If career employees are removed from the National Security Council, they would return to their home agencies, but the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee has expressed concern.
Transition