Cybersecurity
Republicans urge Trump admin to launch offensive cyber operations against China
The letter cites high-profile Chinese intrusions into U.S. systems that have made headlines in recent months. Trump’s national security officials have expressed a desire to engage in offensive cyber ops against adversaries.
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Digital Government
Shrinking tech team endangers a nationwide disease tracking system at CDC
The CDC was in the middle of updating a public health surveillance system when the Trump administration started shedding workers. What happens next could exemplify the impact to key government programs and systems when tech teams are cut.
People
Trump’s US chief technology officer pick would serve dual-role
Ethan Klein served as a tech policy advisor in the first Trump administration.
Ideas
From bureaucracy to brilliance: AI in federal IT
Here's how government ought to better unlock AI's potential.
Digital Government
House passes GOP funding bill to avoid government shutdown
The measure now heads to the Senate where it’s uncertain if Democrats will provide the votes needed to avoid a lapse in government funding.
Policy
Judge orders DOGE to comply with FOIA requests
Trump officials have argued that records from the government efficiency initiative fall under the Presidential Records Act, which can temporarily shield information from public scrutiny.
People
VA grants researchers 90-day reprieve from layoffs, but their futures remain uncertain
A department spokesperson said the temporary extensions “will ensure continuity of all research efforts while VA conducts a comprehensive assessment of ongoing research initiatives to evaluate their impact on Veteran health care.”
Policy
GSA reverses lease terminations for some GAO offices doing national security work
The Atlanta, Huntsville and Norfolk offices have been removed from a termination list tied to a DOGE effort to reduce purported government spending waste on building leases.
Cybersecurity
Top House cyber lawmaker to press DHS on key infrastructure group’s shutdown
Industry representatives say the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council has been a valuable information-sharing tool. It was disbanded last week under an order from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI anticipates rapid data center scaling thanks to Trump
OpenAI Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil said the company’s AI offerings will benefit from the Trump administration’s tech policy and industry infrastructure projects.
People
Trump taps Sean Plankey to head CISA
Plankey served at the Energy Department and National Security Council during Trump’s first term.
People
Lawsuit outlines how DOGE pushed for access to Social Security systems and data
Democracy Forward and unions are asking courts to block DOGE’s access to the troves of personal data held at the agency.
Acquisition
Pentagon aims to accelerate acquisition of new tech through software-contracting change
Buyers must default to rapid-acquisition processes long used by DIU, SecDef memo orders.
Digital Government
DHS releases new mobile app pushing migrants to self-deport
The Trump administration’s new Customs and Border Protection app replaces a version that allowed migrants to schedule asylum appointments at U.S. ports of entry.
People
Agency guidance on ‘five accomplishments’ email still inconsistent
Bureaus inside DHS are still reviewing past submissions from staff and have instructed their workers to hold off on sending more updates.
Cybersecurity
OPM watchdog to investigate IT risks tied to DOGE’s agency access
The agency’s deputy inspector general began “an engagement to assess risks associated with new and modified information systems at OPM,” a letter to lawmakers says.
Defense
‘5 bullet points’ email now a weekly task for Pentagon civilians
A short explanation of recent achievements is due every Tuesday, SecDef says in additional guidance.
Exclusive
People
Energy CIO departs after short tenure
Ryan Riedel, formerly of SpaceX, served in the role for less than two months.
Cybersecurity
Civil liberties groups urge spy chief to declassify parts of contested surveillance program
Tulsi Gabbard’s views on the Section 702 program have run atypical to those of past spy chiefs, but it’s not clear what declassification authorities she immediately has.
People