People

GSA announces new FAS, TTS leadership

The new leaders are interested in working with Elon Musk’s DOGE.

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.

People

Trump’s VA pick voices support for continued EHR deployment

Former Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., said “there's no reason in the world” why VA cannot successfully deploy its beleaguered Oracle Cerner electronic health record system.

People

OPM’s new CIO replaced on second day of Trump administration

Greg Hogan will serve as the new CIO for the personnel agency, following Melvin Brown II’s one-week stint in the role.

People

2 CIOs elevated to acting agency heads as Trump takes office

The tech leaders at USDA and USAID will head their agencies in an acting capacity until the Senate confirms Trump’s nominees for the permanent roles.

People

TSA head who oversaw pipeline cyber rules pushed out by Trump

The TSA under David Pekoske oversaw sweeping pipeline and rail cybersecurity directives as part of a broader Biden-era push to bolster U.S. cyber posture. It’s unclear why he was asked to leave.

People

GSA will ‘recommit’ to ‘founding purpose,’ says acting administrator

Stephen Ehikian, previously of Salesforce, has been tapped to serve as GSA’s acting administrator. 

Breaking News People

IRS chief to step down upon Trump's inauguration, well before his term expires

The announcement follows Trump's decision to replace Biden's top tax collection official.

People

Trump’s DHS pick says CISA is ‘far off-mission’ and should be smaller

Current South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem wants CISA to be “refocused” on critical infrastructure and to no longer address mis- or disinformation efforts online.

People

Trump’s pick for OMB chief defends removing civil service protections, withholding appropriated funds

Russ Vought laments "weaponized bureaucracies" as he draws bipartisan criticism for declining to commit to following spending laws.

Digital Government

Trump’s Treasury pick pledges to keep IRS Direct File open this tax season

Scott Bessent, Trump’s pick for Treasury Secretary, said that he would have to study the long-term future of the tool. Republicans on Capitol Hill, however, have panned Direct File.

People

Trump taps IBM’s Darío Gil for Energy’s undersecretary for science and innovation

Gil previously served on Trump’s President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology under his first administration.

People

Trump pick for CIA chief pledges to remain apolitical amid past controversies

John Ratcliffe was questioned over whether he’d remain an impartial national security official after past incidents as Trump’s former director of national intelligence.

People

OPM promotes deputy CIO to top tech role

He’ll succeed the recently retired Guy Cavallo in the role.

People

Top Oversight Democrat says he’s open to collaborate with the DOGE

The new Department of Government Efficiency — which, despite the “department” referenced in its name, is an advisory effort, not a government department — has aims to trim the federal workforce and hunt efficiencies in tech and fraud reduction efforts.

Exclusive Artificial Intelligence

AI startup Anthropic to build out public sector team

Thiyagu Ramasamy, formerly of Amazon Web Services, will lead the effort.

Cybersecurity

US has ‘a lot of work to do’ on cyber defenses, departing cyber czar says

Outgoing National Cyber Director Harry Coker thinks his office needs more influence over the federal cyber budget but not necessarily more authority on offensive cyber operations.

People

OPM CIO announces retirement

Guy Cavallo is the agency’s longest serving CIO in the past decade.

Digital Government

Unemployment isn’t recession-ready — but it’s getting better, says acting Labor secretary

Julie Su, the acting Department of Labor secretary, has often been scrutinized for her role in California during the pandemic. She sat down with Nextgov/FCW to talk about unemployment four years later.