White House

What to know about executive orders as Trump prepares to take office

What are executive orders — and how do presidents use them? Here’s what to know about them and the scope of their power.

Biden lauds federal workforce’s dedication in farewell letter

The outgoing president thanked federal employees for their dedication and reflected on his administration's policy achievements and accomplishments.

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.

Trump says his transition with the Biden administration is ‘not smooth’

Other reports, including from Trump's own chief of staff, indicate the process is going according to plan.

What to know about President Jimmy Carter lying in state at the U.S. Capitol

Carter, who died Dec. 29 at 100 in his hometown of Plains, Ga., lived the longest of any U.S. president in history.

Biden signs windfall elimination provision repeal into law

The Social Security Fairness Act ends both the WEP and the government pension offset, increasing the Social Security checks for more than 2 million retired public servants.

Biden to close federal agencies Jan. 9 for Carter day of mourning

The White House unveiled an executive order Monday giving federal employees Jan. 9 off in recognition of the death of the 39th president.

Biden finalizes 2% pay raise for feds next month

The president was apparently unmoved by federal employee groups and some House Democrats’ pleas to restore pay parity between the civilian and military workforces.

Biden gives federal employees Christmas Eve off

Amid the potential of a government shutdown fueled by budget uncertainties on Capitol Hill, the president issued an executive order on Thursday giving federal employees Dec. 24 off. 

Republican lawmakers ask Trump to kill IRS Direct File

The new program intended to enable free, online tax filing directly with the government has garnered controversy and praise since its inception.

Lawmakers call on Biden to grant feds a 4.5% raise in 2025, restoring pay parity

President Biden previously came under fire from federal employee groups and some lawmakers for proposing only a 2.0% average pay raise for civilian workers, abandoning a longstanding Democratic priority.

Despite critical report, Biden hasn’t taken disciplinary action against DHS watchdog

It’s been about two months since an oversight committee substantiated allegations that DHS inspector general Joseph Cuffari abused his authority, with no word of potential White House action.

White House, agencies warn of hiring freezes without ‘anomalies’ to upcoming spending bill

Agencies, already slashing workforce costs due to a constrained budget environment, are now reckoning with yet another short-term funding measure.

As Trump’s teams get set to deploy to agencies, concerns remain over his transition approach

The president-elect is still sidestepping many of the procedures typically required for presidential transitions, but Biden's White House says its hands are tied.

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Extraordinary senior executives receive presidential rank award

The selective honor comes with a cash award that is up to 35% of the recipient’s annual basic pay.

Trump’s first White House debated the role of the U.S. Digital Service. 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.