Management

Official who safeguards whistleblowers drops lawsuit protesting his firing by Trump

An appeals court had allowed the Trump administration to remove Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger while it heard his case.

Management

Official who fought to reinstate fired probationary feds can be removed during legal fight, court says

A federal judge had ruled that President Donald Trump’s firing of Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger was unlawful, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit determined that he could be removed while they weigh the case.

Management

GSA says it will republish a retracted list of potential federal buildings to sell

The Public Buildings Service, which handles government property, is currently experiencing sizable layoffs.

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.

Updated 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.

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.