Author Archive
Workforce
A USDA cow scientist won an award for helping dairy farmers produce more milk. He’s worried about the future of government research under Trump
The Partnership for Public Service, which runs an annual awards program for federal employees, recognized fewer civil servants this year as a result of fewer agencies participating.
Workforce
‘Highly problematic for a thousand reasons’: NIH employees criticize Trump-era requirement to scrutinize grants with words related to diversity
One staffer said that officials are employing more systematic methods to pinpoint NIH-funded research that the administration may object to, but that the additional reviews are time-consuming and lack transparency.
Tech
Agency leader says AI is helping resource-strained workforce identify more fraud
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services official also said the Trump administration’s efforts to combat fraud in government are enabling her to “push the needle” with using the technology.
Management
Easing USPS handgun shipping rules will exacerbate crime, warns Democrat
Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., is challenging the Postal Service’s plan to treat handguns like rifles and shotguns.
Management
Contracting association warns it could take DHS until the end of the year to ‘get back on track’ following record-breaking shutdown
The Professional Services Council also reported that several contracting companies faced the threat of closure due to missed reimbursements from the government as a result of the funding lapse.
Workforce
Coast Guard officer promotion advanced by Senate Republicans despite IG finding of whistleblower retaliation
Commander Jesse Millard was approved in committee on a party-line vote, despite Senate Democrats demanding that his promotion be withdrawn.
Management
Career agent confirmed to lead ATF despite GOP’s past push for the agency’s elimination
New Director Robert Cekada testified that the Trump administration wants to increase the number of officers at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which some Republicans have previously proposed to abolish.
Management
IRS whistleblower program set for possible overhaul after bipartisan House vote
The measure would reshape how claims move through the system, how court reviews are handled and how payments are ultimately made. Over its history, the program has recovered about $7.5 billion.
Management
Former civil servants aim to shape policy as members of Congress
Dozens of federal employees who left or were pushed out of government in 2025 are now running for office.
Management
Fed employee appeals system independence at stake in new Supreme Court brief
The high court has heard arguments in a similar case regarding the president’s authority to remove members of quasi-judicial agencies.
Management
Experts say Trump inflated his deregulation numbers, but his process changes are here to stay
The president has made several changes to the rulemaking process, including added White House scrutiny of certain regulations and exceptions to some time-consuming steps.
Management
Contractors sue to block Trump’s federal DEI executive order
The lawsuit alleges minority-owned businesses are being forced to trade their First Amendment rights for federal contracts.
Management
GSA and OPM will soon share the same headquarters
The General Services Administration will temporarily move into the Office of Personnel Management’s building before both agencies ultimately transfer to a renovated GSA headquarters.
Oversight
Severe staffing cuts at GSA are harming agencies across government, watchdog says
Due to the reductions, agencies reported that they were unsure about who to contact at GSA and had to delay project timelines.
Oversight
Inspectors general targeted for funding cuts in Trump’s FY27 budget
Oversight groups warn that slashing budgets spent on rooting out fraud and waste will “fundamentally hamper” accountability and operations.
Updated
Management
Vought defends fiscal 2027 budget request, as Democrats criticize OMB for violating spending law
The Trump administration proposed a 10% reduction to spending on non-defense agencies.
Management
Staff cuts, new rules and reassignments: IRS nears finish line for tax season marked by upheaval
The head of the IRS has argued that despite the workforce reductions there is “no staffing shortage here.”
Workforce
Trump’s federal workforce changes cost the economy more than $165.6B, analysis finds
The Partnership for Public Service report includes the costs of the deferred resignation program, severance pay for laid-off civil servants and federal employees who were on paid administrative leave while their firings were challenged in court.
Workforce
Fewer federal employees are ‘thriving’ and more are ‘struggling’, according to new survey
The Trump administration in 2025 nixed an annual survey of federal employee engagement and morale, but polls from other organizations provide insights.
Workforce
A hiring rule meant to help people with disabilities get federal jobs instead left them more vulnerable to DOGE mass firings
Several fired Schedule A employees who spoke with Government Executive say they’re still struggling to find new full-time employment after losing their federal jobs.
