The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), responsible for handling appeals from terminated federal employees, is facing an unprecedented surge in cases following widespread Trump administration layoffs. A recent influx of at least 1,845 cases in a single week—compared to approximately 100 weekly cases previously—threatens to overwhelm the board’s capacity, potentially causing significant delays in processing appeals. This backlog, echoing a similar situation in 2013, is raising concerns about the ability of the MSPB to ensure timely and fair reviews of employee appeals, especially given allegations of politically motivated terminations. Experts warn that this situation risks undermining the integrity of the civil service system.
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A federal judge sharply criticized the Trump administration for its failure to comply with a 12-day-old temporary restraining order that unfroze USAID contract spending. Despite the order, the government continued to defy the court’s directive to restore funding to global aid programs. The judge issued highly specific instructions for compliance, demanding payment of all pre-February 13th invoices by midnight February 26th and the submission of a joint status report detailing compliance steps. Further, the court ordered the government to provide all internal directives regarding compliance with the order by noon on February 26th, setting the stage for potential future legal action.
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Judge Amir H. Ali issued a 48-hour deadline for the Trump administration to release billions of dollars in frozen foreign aid, citing noncompliance with a prior court order. This followed a lawsuit filed by nonprofits alleging that the administration’s funding freeze, stemming from a January executive order, violated federal law and jeopardized crucial programs. The administration’s lawyer failed to confirm any release of funds, despite the court’s mandate to resume disbursements. This marks the second instance of a federal court finding the Trump administration in contempt of court for failing to comply with orders regarding spending freezes.
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Facing pressure from the Trump administration, Israel voted against a UN resolution supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, a move that aligned them with Russia and North Korea. This decision, described as difficult by Israeli officials, stemmed from prior requests made to the Trump administration. The vote has severely strained Israeli-Ukrainian relations, with the Ukrainian ambassador expressing disappointment and considering a formal complaint. Despite Israel’s past humanitarian aid to Ukraine, the differing votes highlight a significant rift in their relationship.
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Elon Musk, despite lacking official cabinet status, will attend President Trump’s first cabinet meeting. His presence, confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, stems from his role advising the president on government efficiency. This appointment follows controversy surrounding Musk’s demands for increased productivity from federal employees, resulting in resignations from his department. Musk’s involvement underscores the administration’s focus on streamlining government operations.
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A US judge denied the Associated Press’s request for immediate White House access reinstatement following a ban stemming from a dispute over the term “Gulf of America.” The Trump administration, citing the AP’s refusal to adopt the president’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico, maintains its decision to bar the agency from presidential events. The judge scheduled a further hearing for March 20th to address the AP’s claim that the ban violates First Amendment rights. The AP vows to continue its fight for press freedom, while the White House celebrated the initial ruling.
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The United States voted against a UN resolution condemning Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, prioritizing a diplomatic approach aimed at bringing both sides to the negotiating table. Instead, the U.S. supported a separate, less condemnatory resolution calling for an end to the conflict. This decision reflects a broader U.S. strategy to soften its language regarding Russia, a shift coinciding with President Trump’s push for peace negotiations and criticisms of Ukraine. This strategy contrasts with resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly and supported by most EU nations.
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Analysis of data from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reveals that nearly 40% of the Trump administration’s canceled federal contracts, totaling 794, will not result in cost savings due to pre-existing financial obligations. This “slash and burn” approach, criticized for its lack of efficiency and potential harm to government agencies, contrasts with alternative methods of identifying cost-saving measures. Despite DOGE’s claim of $65 billion in savings from various cost-cutting measures, this figure remains unverified. The cancellations include contracts for various goods and services, some already fully paid, raising concerns about the program’s effectiveness.
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The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) ruled that the mass firings of probationary federal employees were likely illegal, citing violations of laws governing probationary terminations and reductions in force. The decision, concerning six workers but impacting potentially 200,000, found that the dismissals lacked individualized cause and circumvented proper reduction-in-force procedures. OSC head Hampton Dellinger requested stays on the six firings and is exploring broader remedies. This action directly challenges President Trump and Elon Musk’s efforts to drastically shrink the federal workforce. The ruling is a significant setback for their administration’s personnel policies.
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Over twenty Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employees resigned, citing ethical concerns regarding the use of their expertise to dismantle critical public services. These former employees, primarily engineers and data scientists, warned that DOGE’s efforts, spearheaded by Elon Musk, were being driven by political ideology rather than technological expertise, jeopardizing essential government functions. The mass resignation represents a significant setback for the Trump administration’s efforts to restructure the federal workforce, which are already facing legal challenges. The White House dismissed the resignations, asserting that such actions would not deter the president’s plans.
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John Q. Hosedrinker