Author Archive
Oversight
Key oversight and federal workforce nominees confirmed by Senate
Several of the individuals will lead agencies that have been downsized or otherwise weakened by the Trump administration.
Oversight
Calls for IG probe of Reflecting Pool renovation come amid questions over watchdog's independence
The former inspector general at Interior and a senior House lawmaker criticized the apparent appointment of a Project 2025 co-author at the watchdog office.
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.
Oversight
FEMA slashed staff without considering the effects on future disaster response, watchdog reports
The Government Accountability Office also found that the disaster agency is currently operating without a strategic workforce plan to determine staffing needs.
Tech
OPM tells agencies to put tech recruiting at the center of staffing plans
The guidance from the government’s HR agency also set a governmentwide goal that at least 33% of external hires be early-career workers.
Workforce
Survey shows the toll of USAID’s closure on former employees and their families
Nearly half of survey respondents who were foreign service officers reported that their households experienced dual job loss as a result of the layoffs.
Updated
Tech
GSA official put on leave for social media post saying veterans’ preference in federal hiring is hampering tech recruiting
A government workforce expert told Government Executive that many hiring rules, including veterans’ preference, have become “procedural hurdles rather than achieving the intended outcome” because they haven’t been updated in decades.
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Oversight
Inspectors general are conducting fewer oversight reports after 18 months of upheaval
In a new report, the Partnership for Public Service noted that the average Cabinet inspector general office has shrunk by 19% since the end of 2024.
Workforce
New documentary recounts ‘free-for-all attitude of cruelty’ toward axed federal employees
The movie, which was filmed during the start of the second Trump administration, examines the human and societal effects of recent federal job cuts.
Tech
AI's growing role in rulemaking raises new transparency questions
As the Trump administration pursues an aggressive deregulatory agenda, concerns are mounting that artificial intelligence could make agency decisions harder to explain and defend.
Oversight
Bill aims to end blocked congressional access at federal buildings
A new bill would set governmentwide rules for congressional visits after disputes over access to agencies and immigration detention centers.
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.
Oversight
Despite firings, acting IG says it’s 'the best time to be in the inspector general community' due to focus on fraud
A panel of inspectors general at a government accounting conference also discussed challenges combating technologically advanced scams and performing more proactive oversight.
Oversight
Inspector general group would be axed under new House GOP bill
Supporters of the measure pointed to a recent Government Accountability Office report that found the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency frequently missed requirements when investigating misconduct allegations against IGs.
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Workforce
A year after State layoffs, ex-feds say U.S. is paying the price in Iran and Ebola crises
Democratic lawmakers at a Thursday press conference also touted a new bill that would exempt foreign service officers who were pushed out by the Trump administration from being required to take the Foreign Service Officer Test if they wish to rejoin.
Management
FEMA overhaul proposal spotlighted by bipartisan lawmakers
Supporters testified that the FEMA Act would help disaster survivors and local governments more easily access assistance.
Updated
Oversight
Former civil servants and union request IG investigation into transfer of Education program to Labor
House Republicans recently introduced a package of bills that would codify the Trump administration’s interagency agreements that move Education offices to other agencies.
Oversight
Duffy faces new ethics complaint over official social media post promoting wife’s book
The Transportation Department said that the post at issue was "inadvertently retweeted” by a staffer.
Oversight
IRS missed hiring goals for 2026 tax season, which watchdog says impacted service performance
The tax agency temporarily reassigned hundreds of employees to cover the gaps in staffing.
Updated
Workforce
Some disabled veterans say losing telework accommodations is making it harder for them to keep working at the VA
Employees with disabilities at several agencies have alleged that they’re being forced to return to the office, even though the Trump administration’s directive ending telework flexibility for the civil service exempted those with qualifying reasonable accommodations.
