Management
Pushed out by DOGE, former feds now feel ‘unleashed’ on improving government efficiency
We the Doers, a new nonpartisan organization of former federal employees, released its first report on Tuesday with recommendations on how to improve government effectiveness and efficiency.
Management
‘Harder days ahead in 2026’: Good government group predicts increased political interference in the civil service in Trump’s second year
A new analysis from the Partnership for Public Service looks at the effects, so far, of the Trump administration’s reforms to the federal workforce and what they could portend.
Oversight
How many Jan. 6 rioters work for the federal government? Raskin wants to find out
The Maryland Democrat also criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for wearing masks in a letter to the Trump administration that the Homeland Security Department called “reckless, disgusting and unhinged.”
Updated
Oversight
Missed deadlines, unclear leadership, neglected requirements: Watchdog flags shortcomings in Coast Guard’s efforts to improve sexual misconduct policy following scandal
Coast Guard officials said that President Donald Trump’s orders to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government interrupted some reform efforts.
Oversight
Most newly confirmed Trump inspectors general previously worked in his administration, raising fears about independent agency oversight
These oversight officials may have to recuse themselves from investigations of programs they previously worked on, an expert said.
Oversight
House Democrats say revived Noem policy restricting congressional visits to ICE facilities violates court order
This second attempt by the Homeland Security Department to put a seven-day notice requirement on lawmaker tours of immigration detention facilities follows the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
Management
Nearly all civilian Defense employees are back in the office, but watchdog says officials should better track telework eligibility
Employees who are still teleworking are mostly exempt from the in-person work requirement.
Management
After scrapping it in 2025, the Trump administration is reinstating awards program for senior executives
The Senior Executive Association praised the return of the presidential rank awards.
Exclusive
Workforce
Trump’s return-to-office mandate exempted feds with disabilities. Many are being ordered to work in-person anyway
Some agencies have put new conditions on granting telework as a reasonable accommodation for federal employees with disabilities.
Management
‘I am what I am’: American Postal Workers Union’s new president talks leadership during inflection point for U.S. Postal Service
Jonathan Smith said that he is opposed to the ongoing postal modernization plan called Delivering for America, but believes the Postal Service should expand the services that it provides to the public.
Tech
Trump’s cuts to the civil service undermine new tech internship push, good government group argues
The goal of the administration’s new internship program is to recruit 200 students for tech-focused internships.
Oversight
Office of Special Counsel resumes Hatch Act enforcement against former feds for violations during their service
The agency had paused filing Hatch Act complaints against such individuals pending a Merit Systems Protection Board decision on the jurisdiction of former federal employees.
Exclusive
Oversight
USCIS’ arbitrarily strict FOIA policy is keeping some migrants from receiving their immigration records, whistleblower alleges
In a protected disclosure to Congress, an agency employee claims that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services since 2024 has been finding ways to reject Freedom of Information Act requests from migrants in order to make it seem like the agency is complying with a court order.
Pay & Benefits
Feds will have Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 off
Federal employees will now have a five-day weekend, beginning on Christmas Eve.
Management
Postal Service hopes selling access to its final-leg delivery network will provide much-needed revenue
Because the U.S. Postal Service delivers to all U.S. addresses, many private companies rely on the agency to ship to harder-to-reach places. Postmaster General David Steiner wants to enable more businesses to utilize this service.
Tech
Want an AI job at Treasury? Write a 10-page analysis of ‘Great Gatsby’
While the application requirement may actually be a test on using artificial intelligence tools, an AI expert said that the skills being measured are not relevant to the job listed.
Workforce
Ethics agency spells out holiday do’s and don’ts for federal employees
Ethics rules generally prohibiting government workers from giving presents to their bosses or accepting gifts from non-governmental organizations are particularly relevant around the holidays.
Oversight
Some indoor federal gun ranges are operating under unsafe conditions due to lack of oversight, watchdog reports
General Services Administration employees interviewed for the investigation reported issues gathering necessary information, in part, due to workforce reductions at the agency.
Oversight
Exit interview: GAO’s Gene Dodaro talks impoundments, tenure and retirement priorities
The outgoing comptroller general reflects on leading the agency through national crises, building a skilled workforce and guiding federal oversight before his term ends Dec. 29.
Workforce