Transition

Hegseth said he settled sexual assault accusation for $50,000

The 2020 settlement by Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon was revealed in response to Sen. Warren’s confirmation questions.

Trump signs AI executive order

The order calls for the development of an AI action plan and sets up a process for revoking actions taken under President Biden’s previous AI executive order signed in October 2023.

Ousted career execs at DOJ are considering options after being given vague rationale for firings

The dismissals came just hours after Trump's inauguration and raises questions of the president's legal authorities.

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.

HHS pause on external comms delaying upcoming health summits

Two planned events have been indefinitely postponed as a result of the Trump administration’s freeze on HHS-related mass communications and public appearances.

Dems say thwarting Trump's controversial OMB pick is a top priority

The senators are still looking for a bipartisan coalition to vote down Russ Vought, a man they said "exudes hate for federal employees."

CACI's CEO weighs in on efficiency and acquisition

In talking with Wall Street, John Mengucci looked to provide a bigger picture for what he would like to see the DOGE efficiency group look at beyond just protest numbers going down.

FAA employees with disabilities targeted by Trump's anti-DEI push

Despite current policy, the FAA during Trump’s first administration actively sought to recruit workers with disabilities.

OPM demands agencies comply with Trump’s telework order within 30 days

The State Department has already begun to implement the president’s memo cancelling telework agreements as of March 1 and remote work arrangements July 1, with exceptions for military spouses and employees with disabilities.

Democrats worry over Trump funding priorities for CISA’s disinfo efforts

President Donald Trump’s nominee to run DHS wants the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to be smaller and stay out of monitoring disinfo.

Industry launches $100B AI-infrastructure effort to keep ahead of China

Oracle, OpenAI focus on data centers as AI race begins to turn on computing power instead of math.

Pentagon sending 1,500 troops to southern border, USAF planes on deportation flights

Defense officials did not rule out arming troops on the border, but left that up to the discretion of NORTHCOM.

Exclusive

U.S. Digital Service employees are being re-interviewed under DOGE transition

Some employees who were in the U.S. Digital Service already when it became part of the DOGE fear the interviews are an assessment of their loyalty.

Broad exemptions to Trump's federal hiring freeze begin to take shape

The Defense Department is indicating it will allow hiring to continue for all civilian positions.

Industry group calls on Trump to appoint a quantum czar

A letter sent to President Donald Trump also called for a reauthorization of 2018’s National Quantum Initiative Act. 

Trump axes Democrats on intelligence and privacy oversight board

The removals come as Congress is set to decide next year whether to renew a controversial surveillance authority that’s been scrutinized by the board.