Defense

Pentagon Says Guard Did Not Tear-Gas Protesters; Downplays Role In Militarized Response

A senior official also said the secretary of Defense was unaware of the plan to clear a public park for a Trump photo op.

Defense

Trump, GOP Allies Reach For Military Response To Domestic Protests

In startling language, Defense Secretary Mark Esper referred to American streets as “the battlespace.”

Management

Analysis: The Justice Department Has Had to Twist Itself in Knots to Defend Trump on Emoluments

For decades, the department has interpreted the Constitution to err on the side of country first. Now all that has changed.

Management

Revenge of the Obamacrats

Obama’s top environmental official wanted nothing to do with politics after leaving the government. What did it take to bring her back?

Oversight

Analysis: Congress May Not Like It When Trump Fires An Inspector General – But It Can’t Do Anything To Stop Him

President Trump isn't the first president to get rid of inspectors general. He is the first to assert that inspectors general investigations into his administration's actions are unconstitutional.

Defense

Senate Intel Panel Advances Ratcliffe Nomination In Party-Line Vote

The former Texas prosecutor is a deeply controversial pick for the nation’s top spy.

Management

Trump Administration Details Efforts to Support Peaceful Presidential Transition

Watchdog group points to “significant ethics problems” among some of the White House Transition Coordinating Council members.

Defense

62% Disapprove of Trump’s Coronavirus Response, Reader Survey Finds

Most respondents feel “less safe” because of the president’s actions. Esper gets higher marks, but many fear premature reopening.

Oversight

Pence’s 'Special Envoy' in Foreign Aid Office Sparked an Ethics Complaint Just Weeks After He Started His Job

Weeks before joining the administration, Max Primorac, a USAID appointee and adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, pushed the business interests of a client to an organization funded by USAID.

Management

Watchdogs Criticize Trump Administration's Deregulation Efforts During Pandemic

Meanwhile, the administration says the red tape rollback is central to boosting coronavirus testing and economic revival.

Pay & Benefits

White House Orders TSP Board to Halt International Fund Index Change

After months of lobbying, President Trump has intervened in the independent agency’s decision to shift foreign investments to a more expansive index of international firms.

Defense

Coronavirus Hits Top US Officials

Senior officials in the White House and the Pentagon are now sidelined by the virus.

Defense

FBI Got Everything It Asked for in DNC Investigation, Refuting ‘Missing Server’ Myth

New transcripts released by the House intelligence committee shed light on Russia’s interference in 2016 election.

Management

Viewpoint: Why Michael Flynn Is Walking Free

The former national security adviser figured out that loyalty to Trump is now a better bet than loyalty to the rule of law.

Management

For Biden, Naming Cabinet Before Election Would Be a Big Risk

Vice presidential picks don't have much direct effect on campaigns, but can give voters insight on a candidate's judgment and leadership ability. Early Cabinet selections are likely to be similar.

Defense

Trump's Intelligence-Chief Nominee Vows to 'Speak Truth to Power'

GOP lawmakers are seeking to speed up Rep. John Ratcliffe’s nomination, but his careful answers did not appear to satisfy skeptics.

Workforce

GovExec Daily: Political Influence on Government Science

The Brennan Center’s Dan Weiner joins the podcast to explain how science is – or isn't – valued in the Trump administration.