Management

Why Trump potentially sidestepping normal political appointee screening is raising concerns

The former president likely has the authority to take steps outlined by his team, but experts say they raise national security red flags.

Trump and Musk want to create a government efficiency commission. It’s not a new idea

Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton both spearheaded initiatives to reduce government waste and inefficiency, although they went about it in vastly different ways.

How social media is influencing our interactions with public lands

Getting the perfect online photo is drawing more people into nature. Land managers are trying to mitigate risks and damage to wild places.

New bill would levy penalties on feds ‘impeding’ presidential directives and require new training

The Stop Resistance Activities by Federal Employees Act could penalize federal employees if they are found to have obstructed a lawful order from administration officials and require agencies to report those alleged violations to the president every six months. 

VA breaks records for veterans served despite slowing hiring

VA is now seeking a budget boost to meet staffing needs and veterans demands for fiscal 2025.

USPS to mail voters: Send in your ballots now

Postal Service suggests week-out deadline despite fast ballot performance so far.

‘Put them in trauma’: Inside a key MAGA leader’s plans for a new Trump agenda

As OMB director, Russell Vought sought to use Trump’s 2020 Schedule F executive order to strip away job protections for nonpartisan government workers.

Holding poor performers accountable can lead to better government

COMMENTARY | The current process for addressing poor performers in government is difficult for managers and confusing for employees.

A new report includes calls for modernized federal recruitment and retention efforts

In an updated version of its 2018 report on strengthening the federal government’s organizational health and performance, the National Academy of Public Administration included the tools and best practices agencies can deploy for recruitment and retention in a post-pandemic world.

Ethics office clears federal official for his Project 2025 involvement

The agency leader wrote a chapter for the document but did not break any ethics laws in doing so, OGE says.

OPM announces a program to make it easier for ex-interns to get full-time federal work

A new feature within USAJOBS’ Agency Talent Portal will allow agencies to hire former interns from other agencies into term or permanent federal positions.

The government needs to up its game on technology and use of data to better serve the public

COMMENTARY | Despite pockets of progress, the government is still behind the curve when it comes to modern technology and AI, writes one good government observer.

White House memo on AI national security includes workforce training and streamlined immigration proposals 

The new AI guidelines detail how select agencies should approach risks and challenges tied to the emerging technology, but also include elements of how the U.S. should procure and train talent to capitalize on its benefits. 

Without budget anomaly, SSA hiring is restricted and overtime is at 'historic lows'

Congress’ refusal to provide additional funding for the Social Security Administration in September’s two-month continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown is kneecapping two tools that are key to combatting the agency’s customer service crisis.

USPS is delivering ballots quickly and on time

The Postal Service says a few local issues have come up but they have rapidly been addressed.

Democrats, stakeholders continue to warn Trump won't be ready to govern without transition participation

Presidential transitions are built for joint communication to prepare agencies and their potential new leaders, but Trump is so far sidestepping that process.