Policy

Administration, unions trade lawsuits over ‘national security' order to reduce feds' rights

U.S. agencies have asked a Trump-appointed judge to uphold a ban on unions for Defense civilians and two-thirds of the federal workforce.

  • Erich Wagner
Threats

The D Brief: DOD-shakeup proposals due in days; Border-ops price tag; New Army tech; Rocketmakers’ green light; And a bit more.

  • Bradley Peniston and Ben Watson
Policy

SecDef gives DOD leaders less than two weeks to lay out cuts, changes

A Friday memo opens a new phase in Hegseth’s hurried effort to shrink the defense workforce.

  • Bradley Peniston
Breaking News Policy

Trump aims to outlaw most government unions on ‘national security’ grounds

White House says little-used provision allows the president to exempt most federal jobs from union protections.

  • Erich Wagner
Threats

The D Brief: More Yemen-chat details released; Troops patrolling border; Ukraine ceasefire broadened; Army’s gear overhaul; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
Ideas

Heads must roll for Signal-chat debacle

To hold no one accountable would undermine operational security and send a corrosive message to troops.

  • Alex Wagner
Policy

The Pentagon is asking 364 fired probationary employees to come back

So far, about 65 have been reinstated, according to a Wednesday court filing.

  • Meghann Myers
Policy

Court order stalls SecDef’s workforce reductions as personnel freeze stalls work

Most civilian promotions and internal transfers are on hold pending new guidance.

  • Meghann Myers
Policy

Pentagon hiring freeze holds previously approved job moves hostage

Civilians have sent their belongings overseas but are trapped at their duty stations.

  • Meghann Myers
Threats

The D Brief: DOD ordered to reverse firings; Trump presses annexations; Putin declines quick ceasefire; F-35 uncertainty; And a bit more.

  • Bradley Peniston and Ben Watson
Ideas

What military members need to hear from their leaders now

Policy guidance, to be sure—but also timeless messages that transcend administrations.

  • Paula Thornhill
Science & Tech

Future of US digital security in jeopardy due to White House attacks on science organization, officials say

Current and former cybersecurity officials say Trump administration attacks on key research centers will benefit China.

  • Patrick Tucker
Breaking News Policy

Judge orders DOD, other agencies to rehire fired probationary workers

The firings were "based on a lie," judge says, who suggests he may extend his order beyond the roughly 24,000 already included.

  • Eric Katz
Threats

The D Brief: DOD workforce, whipsawed; Russia cool on ceasefire; Industrial-policy nom; Gitmo migrants sent back to US; And a bit more.

  • Bradley Peniston and Ben Watson
Policy

Confusion, fear as changes whipsaw Defense workforce

Workforce cuts, travel freezes, and administrative burdens are leaving civilians shaken.

  • Meghann Myers
Threats

The D Brief: Ukraine’s intel quandary; Pentagon’s civilian firings; Speedier-software policy; Russia’s military horses; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson, Bradley Peniston and Eric Katz
Policy

‘5 bullet points’ email now a weekly task for Pentagon civilians

A short explanation of recent achievements is due every Tuesday, SecDef says in additional guidance.

  • Meghann Myers
Policy

Pentagon is placing probationary employees on leave in advance of mass firings

The terminations are expected within weeks under plans to fire nearly one-tenth of DOD’s 55,000 “probies.”

  • Meghann Myers
Policy

Pentagon freezes government credit cards in DOGE cost-savings push

All non-essential official travel reservations for civilians must be canceled, per a March 5 memo.

  • Meghann Myers
Policy

CIA is terminating some probationary employees

Recent U.S. intelligence has signaled that foreign adversaries are increasing efforts to recruit disgruntled federal employees in sensitive national security roles.

  • David DiMolfetta
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