Digital Government
DOGE enters NOAA, accesses IT systems and removes the top HR official
The Musk-led team is rooting out DEI and, some lawmakers fear, may have an eye toward grander aims at the agency.
Cybersecurity
In reversal, CISA workforce now permitted to take deferred resignation offer
The move could enable the Trump administration to reduce the size and scope of the cyber agency.
People
Musk’s DOGE efforts pose a ‘constitutional crisis,’ experts warn
Elon Musk has spent the first two weeks of the Trump administration parachuting into government offices, leaving extensive — and some say legally prohibited — changes in his wake.
Updated
Digital Government
Agencies ramp up pressure on their workers to quit
New guidance continues to defend its deferred resignation program as legal, though it fails to address its apparent violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act.
People
OPM claims agencies can ignore union telework contracts
A new memo instructing agencies to cease enforcing union-negotiated telework policies under the guise of “management rights” could portend future assaults on collective bargaining.
Digital Government
Unions sue Treasury over DOGE access to payment systems
Anonymous plaintiffs also called for a temporary restraining order Tuesday to prevent OPM from using a newly installed email system to mass-message federal employees.
Cybersecurity
Trump’s anti-DEI efforts damage national security, former officials say
The rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives weakens intelligence operations, erodes workforce morale and limits the U.S. government’s ability to navigate global threats, former national security officials argue.
Cybersecurity
CISA among DHS offices exempt from taking OPM’s deferred buyout offer
President Trump’s DHS chief said she wants to scale back the cybersecurity agency’s size and mission scope.
Exclusive
People
As the Trump administration gathers names of recent hires, some are being asked to justify their jobs
New federal workers are the easiest to fire and the administration is gathering information on their names, backgrounds, roles and performance.
People
Trump’s FBI pick opposes warrant requirement for contested spying power
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Kash Patel said a warrant for Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act “is just not comported with the requirement to protect American citizenry.”
People
Gabbard’s past Snowden remarks raise concerns at DNI confirmation hearing
Senators also questioned Trump’s pick to be director of national intelligence over whether a controversial spying authority needed additional reforms in place.
Digital Government
Breakneck pace of executive orders and lagging, unclear guidance leave contractors guessing
The Professional Services Council president and CEO said that contractors may not know the criteria spending programs are being reviewed under or who’s doing them while they wait.
Digital Government
OPM’s new email system sparks questions about cyber compliance
Until very recently, the Office of Personnel Management lacked the capability to send mass emails to all federal employees, a person familiar said, fueling concerns that the agency bypassed procurement rules.
People
New Schedule F guidance shows the Trump White House is rearing for a fight
Trump administration officials elected to bypass the regulatory process to rescind Biden-era rules aimed at barring Schedule F’s revival, setting up a bigger fight over the president's authority.
People
VA wants hiring freeze exemptions for 300,000 roles
The acting Veterans Affairs secretary said in a Jan. 21 memo that the requested exemptions cover positions critical to the delivery of health care services.
People
Ousted career execs at DOJ are considering options after being given vague rationale for firings
The dismissals came just hours after Trump's inauguration and raises questions of the president's legal authorities.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump signs AI executive order
The order calls for the development of an AI action plan and sets up a process for revoking actions taken under President Biden’s previous AI executive order signed in October 2023.
People
Senate confirms John Ratcliffe to lead CIA
Ratcliffe, the former director of national intelligence in the final months of Trump’s first term, drew controversy over perceived politicization of intelligence assessments.
Modernization
HHS pause on external comms delaying upcoming health summits
Two planned events have been indefinitely postponed as a result of the Trump administration’s freeze on HHS-related mass communications and public appearances.
People