People
Ernst’s report documenting telework ‘abuse’ obscures more than it reveals
The Iowa senator and head of a new caucus related to President-elect Trump’s planned government efficiency commission misrepresented key statistics regarding telework’s usage at federal agencies.
Modernization
Ramaswamy cites legacy tech and fraud as early DOGE priorities
Department of Government Efficiency Co-Chair Vivek Ramaswamy called IT modernization “low-hanging fruit,” but reaping cost savings will take up-front investment — and time.
Digital Government
Trump signals new direction for IRS as he announces atypical plan to replace its leadership
The agency is mid-transformation thanks to an unprecedented cash infusion, but those efforts are now in doubt.
People
Trump opts for conventional DOJ screenings of nominees and transition team members
The president-elect delayed the process but now says it is a key step for deploying his team into federal agencies.
Breaking News
Digital Government
Trump teams to deploy throughout government after reaching agreement with the Biden administration
The president-elect had previously refused to sign the agreement and is still sidestepping many of the steps typically required for presidential transitions.
Digital Government
Trump’s first White House debated the role of USDS. What will Trump 2.0 do?
The Office of Management and Budget led an effort to assess USDS — even whether it should exist — during the twilight days of the Trump administration. With another Trump White House incoming, the question of what’s next for the government’s digital SWAT team looms.
Digital Government
Agencies credit telework with recruiting, retention gains, GAO finds
A watchdog report examining telework use at four agencies found best practices still need implementation, but the presence, or absence, of telework as an option has affected their ability to attract talent.
Ideas
Good luck, Department of Government Efficiency
COMMENTARY | It sounds like a federal agency, but its job is to get rid of them.
People
Intelligence IGs head for the exit before Trump’s return
Trump fired five inspectors general during his first administration.
Policy
What Trump 2.0 means for tech and AI regulation
Tech CEO Elon Musk’s growing influence in the Trump transition was at the forefront of discussions.
People
O'Malley to step down as SSA chief this month, seeks political role
Martin O'Malley won plaudits for reinvigorating a resource-starved SSA, but will leave his post early.
Policy
Trump’s ‘DOGE’ commission promises mass federal layoffs, ending telework
The incoming administration will handle large-scale RIFs with compassion, Vivek Ramaswamy says.
Digital Government
How the federal CIO is prepping for the presidential transition
Cybersecurity, customer experience and effective transition efforts have been top-of-mind for Clare Matorana in the last days of the Biden administration.
Policy
Trump vows to 'dismantle federal bureaucracy' and 'restructure' agencies with new, Musk-led commission
Vivek Ramaswamy, who has vowed to cut 75% of the federal workforce, will co-chair the initiative.
People
Trump taps Fox host Pete Hegseth to be defense secretary
The combat veteran and “anti-woke” crusader lacks senior military or national-security experience.
Digital Government
Satisfaction with government hits record high just before a new Trump admin
The incoming Trump administration casts an uncertain light on the customer experience gains made in recent years.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump promised to repeal Biden’s AI executive order — here’s what to expect next
Parts of President Joe Biden’s October 2023 executive order on AI have proven controversial among Republicans.
Acquisition
Industry execs weigh potential impacts of presidential transition
A group of senior leaders at government contractors outline the challenges and opportunities they see in a second Trump term.
Acquisition
The knowns and unknowns of a second Trump administration
Some priorities such as cyber and artificial intelligence are likely not changing, but we will watch the transition for what else might impact government contractors.
People