Latest from the White House (February 18)
As previously reported, the Trump Administration has from day one been issuing a dizzying number of executive actions, some whose legality remain in question. Below are some of the latest developments coming out of the White House.
Federal Workforce
Last week, as part of an Executive Order on “workforce optimization,” the President’s Office of Personnel Management directed federal agencies to fire “trial and probationary” employees, providing little other guidance on how to do it. Typically, probationary employees are those within 1-3 years of service in their position.
Democratic lawmakers and government worker unions are pushing back, arguing the long-term damage that will be inflicted on the federal workforce, especially given that an estimated one-quarter of probationary employees are under the age of 30.
It is estimated that the reduction in force has so far claimed 1,000 jobs at the National Institutes of Health, 700 to 1,300 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and an undetermined number at the National Science Foundation, with massive layoffs also being felt across the government. It is expected that layoffs are also coming for senior agency officials.
22 States Sue Over NIH Funding Cuts
Last week, 22 states filed suit against the Trump Administration in response to a February 7 NIH Notice (NOT-OD-25-068) that seeks to cap indirect, or overhead, costs associated with NIH grants at 15 percent, throwing the university and biomedical research community into chaos. These costs cover facilities, equipment, and staff associated with federal grants. A federal judge temporarily blocked the change, and a hearing is scheduled for February 21. Congression Democrats contend that the move may be illegal citing language that was included in an appropriations bill during the first Trump term prohibiting such actions.
Universities, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations have responded strongly:
Reviewing Funding to NGOs
On February 6, the White House issued a memorandum to federal departments and agencies directing them to “review all funding that agencies provide to [Non-Governmental Organizations].” The memo statues that significant taxpayer funding has been provided to NGOs, “many of which are engaged in actions that actively undermine the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people.” It is currently unclear how federal agencies are responding to the directive.