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.
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.
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.
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.
Workforce
12 senior executives at the Federal Acquisition Service head for the exits
The agency had 34 senior executive service members in September 2024.
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Workforce
Trump plans to surge air traffic controller hiring following plane accidents
The Biden administration also prioritized Federal Aviation Administration hiring, achieving some success.
Oversight
Multiple groups file lawsuits to get DOGE records
Plaintiffs argue the Musk-led initiative is an agency whose records can be requested for release, while the Trump administration says they’re protected presidential records.
Transition
Trump DOGE order directs agencies to build tech to track government spending
The executive order directs agencies to build centralized tech systems to “record every payment” issued under grants and contracts.
Updated
Transition
Advisory government transparency committee terminated
The closure is the result of a Trump order targeting advisory panels throughout the federal government.
Defense
Defense Department police officers can’t get proper credentials nearly 2 years after Congress required them
An officer said they’ve run into issues questioning witnesses, registering for trainings and purchasing necessary equipment because they can’t easily prove they’re a federal law enforcement officer.
Workforce
Following confusion, OPM says Musk demand that feds report accomplishments is voluntary
Agencies have provided their employees with varying information about whether to respond to the request for federal employees to provide five accomplishments from the previous week.
Oversight
Musk might have violated federal employee ethics law, lawyers say
Enforcement of the Hatch Act, which restricts the political activity of government workers, has historically been weak against high-ranking officials.
Workforce
Judge denies federal unions’ request to block mass probationary firings
The federal judge said in a preliminary ruling that the National Treasury Employees Union likely must first bring their challenge to the Federal Labor Relations Authority.
Oversight
Independent agencies targeted by Trump’s latest executive order
A regulatory expert said the directive will likely be challenged in court, as Congress has largely shielded some of the affected agencies from involvement by the White House.
Oversight
Judge temporarily blocks Trump from firing Democratic member of federal employee appeals board
Trump has tried to remove Democratic officials in positions that safeguard civil service protections.
Transition
Despite forcing more federal employees to work in-person, the Trump administration is trying to slash government office space
The Biden administration also sought to shrink the federal real estate portfolio.
Updated
Management
Senate confirms RFK Jr. to lead HHS
Kennedy’s confirmation comes during a legal battle over whether the National Institutes of Health can cap the percentage of funding it provides for indirect research costs.
Updated
Oversight
Inspectors general file lawsuit to fight firings
The litigation comes as a Democratic member of the Merit Systems Protection Board who Trump removed is also asking the courts to stop her ousting.
Workforce
Federal employee union celebrates early wins against Trump but preparing for the long haul
Since Trump’s election, the American Federation of Government Employees has achieved record-breaking membership.
Updated
Management