Policy
Ethics concerns surround Musk's dual role as defense CEO, federal employee
The SpaceX leader's DOGE work may violate criminal conflict-of-interest statutes, one ethics expert said.
Ideas
Trump’s tariffs fit a growing global trend of hardball migration diplomacy
Such diplomacy works both ways, but richer countries by and large have the upper hand.
Threats
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.
Policy
Pentagon, agencies must end telework, remote work in 30 days, OPM says
There are exceptions for military spouses and employees with disabilities in the policy, which DOGE leaders have touted as a way to shrink the federal civilian workforce.
Ideas
Trump wants a faster security clearance process, too
But can he avoid politicizing it? On Day One, he stripped clearances from people he doesn't like and created a temporary end-run for people he does.
Policy
Reported Trump ‘loyalty tests’ for national-security officials draw criticism
If career employees are removed from the National Security Council, they would return to their home agencies, but the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee has expressed concern.
Policy
Federal background-check overhaul is finally on track, DSCA says
Workers in national security-sensitive positions are now fully enrolled in continuous vetting.
Policy
What Trump’s win means for the federal workforce
The Republican former president has vowed to remake the civil service in his image with the reinstatement of Schedule F.
Policy
UN cyber pact would help autocrats crush dissent, US lawmakers warn
Senators say proposed agreement would reduce privacy, increase surveillance, and legitimize censorship.
Policy
‘Put them in trauma': A key MAGA leader’s plans for civil servants, troops, and more
Russell Vought’s plans track closely with Trump’s campaign rhetoric about using the military against domestic protesters, or what Trump has called the “enemy within.”
Threats
China's deepening telecoms hack sparks DHS probe
U.S. government officials and staff on both major presidential campaigns were targeted. One former intelligence official called the breaches “really concerning.”
Threats
Adversaries will aim to ‘stoke societal unrest’ after Election Day, officials warn
Such efforts are intensifying, said an intelligence community official who confirmed that Russia was behind recent false claims about Tim Walz.
Policy
Trump’s radical view would test the military
Commanders and troops could be forced to contend with a president who orders the use of military force against political rivals.
Ideas
The Middle East is in a new era of mass displacement
The situation in Gaza is structurally different from previous displacement crises in the region.
Ideas
What reports got wrong about China’s ‘sunken nuclear submarine’
Western news organizations often miss crucial context—and even the real news—about Chinese military modernization.
Threats
What menaces November's elections? Threats of violence driven by misinformation, officials say
Election workers are afraid to do their jobs, state officials say, while GOP leaders push voter-fraud myths.
Policy
Navy secretary violated prohibitions on political activity, federal office finds
The Office of Special Counsel also determined that the Hatch Act does not prohibit federal-employee activities related to Project 2025.
Threats
US announces steps to disrupt Russian election-influence campaign
The effort includes sanctions, web-domain seizures, and today's indictments of two Russian state media employees.
Policy
Trump calls federal workforce 'crooked,' vows to hold them 'accountable'
In an interview, the former president appeared to broaden his disdain for political appointees to federal workers in general.
Science & Tech