Policy
As DOGE formally sunsets, its public record is still evolving
The temporary organization behind the Department of Government Efficiency sunsets on July 4, but the real closeout question is what, exactly, is ending and what public record is left behind?
Ideas
Federal zero trust faces challenges with AI agents
COMMENTARY | There is no realistic path where federal agencies opt out of agentic AI.
Policy
Trump says Pulte can declassify ‘whatever’ he wants, sparking fears of exposing intelligence secrets
“If he doesn’t care about blowing up cyber exploits, putting foreign relationships at risk, or getting people killed, he could declassify a lot,” one former official said.
Ideas
How federal cybersecurity teams can adapt to a post-DOGE environment
COMMENTARY | The long-lasting impact of DOGE has been to accelerate a broader shift toward more disciplined, efficient and operationally resilient security strategies.
Artificial Intelligence
GenAI.mil records almost 1.7M users, plans new model additions
“It's just a really exciting time for generative AI in the department,” the Pentagon’s chief artificial intelligence officer said.
Acquisition
AWS includes government in BVR Competency program
The Business Value Realization Competency focuses on optimizing AWS partner spending, giving agencies proof of impact for AWS products and services.
Artificial Intelligence
US to lift export controls on key Anthropic models
Anthropic’s cybersecurity-focused Mythos 5 and Fable 5 are expected to be reactivated for respective users following permission from the Commerce Department.
Acquisition
AWS launches Secret Cloud for industry’s classified workloads
The company made several announcements geared towards its government customers, including up to $1 billion in cloud credits for U.S. intelligence agencies.
Artificial Intelligence
CIA will take ‘smart risks’ and ‘course correct’ as it adopts AI, director says
“We simply can’t afford to wait for a risk-free approach to emerging tech. It doesn’t exist. We have to move fast. We have to be aggressive,” CIA Director John Ratcliffe said.
Emerging Tech
Energy expects Genesis Mission will double R&D productivity in coming decade
Department of Energy forecasts major scientific productivity and impact gains with the Genesis Mission, while also aiming to redefine artificial intelligence’s purpose.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
Hackers breached DHS information-sharing network, people familiar say
The Homeland Security Information Network is used by government, international and private sector partners to share sensitive but unclassified information.
People
Pentagon launches ‘War Force’ initiative to onboard tech talent
The new recruitment effort was started in partnership with the Office of Personnel Management and operates under that agency’s larger Tech Force program.
People
Lawmaker warns of administration’s ‘fetishization’ of Silicon Valley startups
Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., discussed his plans to scrutinize Trump-era contracting practices, revive federal IT oversight and push for AI policy.
Digital Government
America at 250: What the Census reveals about our journey
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, the Census Bureau offers a vivid way to trace the country’s growth, movement and change from the earliest days of the republic.
Policy
Tech bills of the week: Labeling AI-generated content; AI standards for private sector companies; and more
This week’s proposals include a measure to create a reporting process for dangerous AI systems and legislation to collect data on AI’s impact on the U.S. workforce.
Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI releases new GPT-5.6 model to select partners
The approach is similar to Anthropic’s Project Glasswing and follows a Trump administration request that the company limit access.
Cybersecurity
Secret Service phone security lapses put US officials at risk, watchdog says
The DHS inspector general found that agents routinely used personal phones for official work, including during protective operations, because government-issued devices lacked key capabilities.
Acquisition
GSA taking measured approach to SEWP takeover
Continuity is the General Services Administration's top priority as it embeds staff in NASA’s SEWP office to lay groundwork to transfer the $60 billion IT vehicle.
Acquisition
GSA’s centralization push is a return to its roots, not just a Trump priority
The General Services Administration's acting acquisition chief says the consolidation drive mirrors the founding mission laid out by the Hoover Commission 77 years ago.
Artificial Intelligence