Rachel Augustine Potter
@raugpott.bsky.social
American politics associate prof @uva.
Bureaucracy lover. Regulatory enthusiast. Political scientist. Em dash devotee. Studies the administrative state and all things contractor/ outsourcing related.
Bureaucracy lover. Regulatory enthusiast. Political scientist. Em dash devotee. Studies the administrative state and all things contractor/ outsourcing related.
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
Jim Ryan is an admirable man and a solid university president.
This is bald-face authoritarian politics of the ugliest form.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/u...
This is bald-face authoritarian politics of the ugliest form.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/u...
Trump Justice Dept. Pressuring University of Virginia President to Resign
www.nytimes.com
June 27, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Jim Ryan is an admirable man and a solid university president.
This is bald-face authoritarian politics of the ugliest form.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/u...
This is bald-face authoritarian politics of the ugliest form.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/u...
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
Yesterday, House and Senate appropriations comm. ranking members @murray.senate.gov & @delauro.house.gov sent a letter to OMB Dir. Russ Vought, demanding transparency for how taxpayer dollars are spent, including key “apportionment” data. They wrote:
🔗 full letter: punchbowl.news/2025-5-27-fy...
🔗 full letter: punchbowl.news/2025-5-27-fy...
![“Under your direction…(OMB) continues to intentionally mislead and obfuscate about how this Administration is spending taxpayer dollars…Your lack of transparency shows disdain for the right of the public to understand how taxpayer dollars are being spent and for the rule of law. This not only deprives the public of information they are entitled to in law but also undermines [Congress]...”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4fvbdr5zqt7b74qllyg2vdit/bafkreihpppr554qufoewmena332qpocgara3dbe2u22tnpnfjiiwmjommi@jpeg)
May 29, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Yesterday, House and Senate appropriations comm. ranking members @murray.senate.gov & @delauro.house.gov sent a letter to OMB Dir. Russ Vought, demanding transparency for how taxpayer dollars are spent, including key “apportionment” data. They wrote:
🔗 full letter: punchbowl.news/2025-5-27-fy...
🔗 full letter: punchbowl.news/2025-5-27-fy...
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
95% of people believe federal civil servants should be hired based on their merit, not political loyalty.
Let’s keep it that way.
Submit feedback on the Trump administration’s newly proposed regulation - a rebranded version of Schedule F - and keep the civil service nonpartisan.
Let’s keep it that way.
Submit feedback on the Trump administration’s newly proposed regulation - a rebranded version of Schedule F - and keep the civil service nonpartisan.
Regulations.gov
www.regulations.gov
May 13, 2025 at 9:28 PM
95% of people believe federal civil servants should be hired based on their merit, not political loyalty.
Let’s keep it that way.
Submit feedback on the Trump administration’s newly proposed regulation - a rebranded version of Schedule F - and keep the civil service nonpartisan.
Let’s keep it that way.
Submit feedback on the Trump administration’s newly proposed regulation - a rebranded version of Schedule F - and keep the civil service nonpartisan.
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
🚨 A new rule would let career scientists like NSF/NIH program officers be replaced by political appointees
Already 14,000+ public comments, deadline is Friday
📣 Comments can be short. Courts consider them—and scientists with NSF/NIH experience are especially impactful
Speak up! shorturl.at/WKuBj
Already 14,000+ public comments, deadline is Friday
📣 Comments can be short. Courts consider them—and scientists with NSF/NIH experience are especially impactful
Speak up! shorturl.at/WKuBj
May 21, 2025 at 5:39 PM
🚨 A new rule would let career scientists like NSF/NIH program officers be replaced by political appointees
Already 14,000+ public comments, deadline is Friday
📣 Comments can be short. Courts consider them—and scientists with NSF/NIH experience are especially impactful
Speak up! shorturl.at/WKuBj
Already 14,000+ public comments, deadline is Friday
📣 Comments can be short. Courts consider them—and scientists with NSF/NIH experience are especially impactful
Speak up! shorturl.at/WKuBj
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
The American federal government is already incredibly politicized. Schedule F would make it much worse.
"Although the U.S. civil service is about four times larger than the United Kingdom’s, for example, it has nearly 28 times as many political appointees"
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
"Although the U.S. civil service is about four times larger than the United Kingdom’s, for example, it has nearly 28 times as many political appointees"
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
DOGE Was Bad. Schedule F Will Be Worse.
An executive order will convert 50,000 government employees into de facto political appointees who serve only at the president’s pleasure.
www.theatlantic.com
May 1, 2025 at 9:51 PM
The American federal government is already incredibly politicized. Schedule F would make it much worse.
"Although the U.S. civil service is about four times larger than the United Kingdom’s, for example, it has nearly 28 times as many political appointees"
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
"Although the U.S. civil service is about four times larger than the United Kingdom’s, for example, it has nearly 28 times as many political appointees"
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
I'm up on @lawfaremedia.org today with an article on Trump's attempt to strip federal civil servants of labor protections on national security grounds.
In March, President Trump signed an executive order which purports to bar federal workers from joining unions. @nicholashandler.bsky.social explains the legal challenges to this order and the stakes of the dispute. www.lawfaremedia.org/article/unpa...
Unpacking Trump’s Attack on Federal Sector Unions
The president’s efforts to decimate civil servant unions rest on a legally dubious argument.
www.lawfaremedia.org
April 29, 2025 at 1:41 PM
I'm up on @lawfaremedia.org today with an article on Trump's attempt to strip federal civil servants of labor protections on national security grounds.
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
Continuing its assault on Social Security, the Trump Admin is preparing to make ~10K SSA staff “Schedule Policy/Career" (was F), eliminating their civil service protections so they can be fired w/o cause.
This politicizes nonpartisan jobs & risks abuse of power. 🧵
www.govexec.com/workforce/20...
This politicizes nonpartisan jobs & risks abuse of power. 🧵
www.govexec.com/workforce/20...
Dudek calls for entire SSA offices to be converted to new Schedule F
The planned conversions, intended for federal workers in policy-related positions, affect employees making as little as $40,000 per year.
www.govexec.com
April 25, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Continuing its assault on Social Security, the Trump Admin is preparing to make ~10K SSA staff “Schedule Policy/Career" (was F), eliminating their civil service protections so they can be fired w/o cause.
This politicizes nonpartisan jobs & risks abuse of power. 🧵
www.govexec.com/workforce/20...
This politicizes nonpartisan jobs & risks abuse of power. 🧵
www.govexec.com/workforce/20...
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
🧵: Trump Administration violating court orders
Someone must have already started a 🧵 documenting Trump administration violations of court orders, but I haven't found it.
If you know of such 🧵, please let me know.
If not, here's the start of one.
Someone must have already started a 🧵 documenting Trump administration violations of court orders, but I haven't found it.
If you know of such 🧵, please let me know.
If not, here's the start of one.
Despite a court order, White House bars AP from Oval Office event
The Trump administration has turned a reporter and photographer from The Associated Press away from covering an Oval Office news conference involving President Donald Trump and El Salvador President N...
apnews.com
April 14, 2025 at 8:33 PM
🧵: Trump Administration violating court orders
Someone must have already started a 🧵 documenting Trump administration violations of court orders, but I haven't found it.
If you know of such 🧵, please let me know.
If not, here's the start of one.
Someone must have already started a 🧵 documenting Trump administration violations of court orders, but I haven't found it.
If you know of such 🧵, please let me know.
If not, here's the start of one.
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions - rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking steps to make sure students can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect. Let’s hope others follow suit.
April 15, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions - rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking steps to make sure students can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect. Let’s hope others follow suit.
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
The diversity cube from OPM’s FedScope has been completely removed. Initially taken down from the FedScope home page, it is now completely gone. Researchers and other stakeholders following federal workforce trends need to gather what data still exists publicly asap.
April 12, 2025 at 6:49 PM
The diversity cube from OPM’s FedScope has been completely removed. Initially taken down from the FedScope home page, it is now completely gone. Researchers and other stakeholders following federal workforce trends need to gather what data still exists publicly asap.
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
This baby has participated in more notices of intent to offer a motion to discharge than like 99% of the House of Representatives.
😳👍
April 8, 2025 at 5:09 PM
This baby has participated in more notices of intent to offer a motion to discharge than like 99% of the House of Representatives.
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
Are you, or do you know, a recent or soon-to-be college grad who's interested in research and deep dives on Congress? @sarahbinder.bsky.social and I are hiring an RA to start this summer. More info here: careers-brookings.icims.com/jobs/3627/re...
Jobs and Internships
careers-brookings.icims.com
March 21, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Are you, or do you know, a recent or soon-to-be college grad who's interested in research and deep dives on Congress? @sarahbinder.bsky.social and I are hiring an RA to start this summer. More info here: careers-brookings.icims.com/jobs/3627/re...
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
I decided to start a #thread 🧵 of stories about legal residents and tourists being (illegally) arrested, detained and/or deported by the Trump regime. I'll only post stories from serious sources, as rumors and conspiracies are really not needed in this authoritarian moment.
March 15, 2025 at 9:04 PM
I decided to start a #thread 🧵 of stories about legal residents and tourists being (illegally) arrested, detained and/or deported by the Trump regime. I'll only post stories from serious sources, as rumors and conspiracies are really not needed in this authoritarian moment.
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
A French researcher was detained on arrival in the US and his computer and phone were confiscated. Texts criticizing Trump's cuts to scientific research were deemed by DHS agents as "hatred of Trump …described as terrorism." He was deported.
French scientist denied US entry after phone messages critical of Trump found
France’s research minister said the scientist was traveling to Houston for a conference when his phone was searched
www.theguardian.com
March 20, 2025 at 12:16 PM
A French researcher was detained on arrival in the US and his computer and phone were confiscated. Texts criticizing Trump's cuts to scientific research were deemed by DHS agents as "hatred of Trump …described as terrorism." He was deported.
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
*Musk pushed for removal of FAA head that regulates one of his businesses
*Planes crash
*Musk says he will help FAA
*FAA ends up purchasing products from another of Musk's businesses
*Planes crash
*Musk says he will help FAA
*FAA ends up purchasing products from another of Musk's businesses
SCOOP: Elon Musk’s SpaceX is seeking to deploy Starlink satellite internet terminals to help accelerate an upgrade of the information technology networks that support the US Federal Aviation Administration’s national airspace system
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Musk Seeks to Install Starlink Terminals in US Airspace Network
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is seeking to deploy Starlink satellite internet terminals to help accelerate an upgrade of the information technology networks that support the US Federal Aviation Administration’s...
www.bloomberg.com
February 25, 2025 at 2:59 AM
*Musk pushed for removal of FAA head that regulates one of his businesses
*Planes crash
*Musk says he will help FAA
*FAA ends up purchasing products from another of Musk's businesses
*Planes crash
*Musk says he will help FAA
*FAA ends up purchasing products from another of Musk's businesses
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
I have the text of the email. It says:
"Please reply to this email with approx. 5 bullets of what you accomplished last week and cc your manager. Please do not send any classified information, links, or attachments. Deadline is this Monday at 11:59pmEST."
"Please reply to this email with approx. 5 bullets of what you accomplished last week and cc your manager. Please do not send any classified information, links, or attachments. Deadline is this Monday at 11:59pmEST."
The resignation of a federal employee must be voluntary. I highly doubt failure to respond to this email---sent on a Saturday---would be understood by any court to be a voluntary resignation.
February 22, 2025 at 10:07 PM
I have the text of the email. It says:
"Please reply to this email with approx. 5 bullets of what you accomplished last week and cc your manager. Please do not send any classified information, links, or attachments. Deadline is this Monday at 11:59pmEST."
"Please reply to this email with approx. 5 bullets of what you accomplished last week and cc your manager. Please do not send any classified information, links, or attachments. Deadline is this Monday at 11:59pmEST."
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
Hi folks:
With @nicholasbednar.bsky.social, @lorenraeds.bsky.social & Don Kettl, I will be talking at an @appam.bsky.social about the attack on public employees and government programs, Thursday, 2/27, 12.30-2pm EST.
Free registration.
www.appam.org/events/webin...
With @nicholasbednar.bsky.social, @lorenraeds.bsky.social & Don Kettl, I will be talking at an @appam.bsky.social about the attack on public employees and government programs, Thursday, 2/27, 12.30-2pm EST.
Free registration.
www.appam.org/events/webin...
February 21, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Hi folks:
With @nicholasbednar.bsky.social, @lorenraeds.bsky.social & Don Kettl, I will be talking at an @appam.bsky.social about the attack on public employees and government programs, Thursday, 2/27, 12.30-2pm EST.
Free registration.
www.appam.org/events/webin...
With @nicholasbednar.bsky.social, @lorenraeds.bsky.social & Don Kettl, I will be talking at an @appam.bsky.social about the attack on public employees and government programs, Thursday, 2/27, 12.30-2pm EST.
Free registration.
www.appam.org/events/webin...
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
Oh wow, what a crazy random happenstance.
Justice Dept. to Drop Discrimination Case Against Elon Musk’s SpaceX www.nytimes.com/2025/02/20/u...
Justice Dept. to Drop Discrimination Case Against Elon Musk’s SpaceX
The Justice Department had sued SpaceX in 2023, accusing the company of violating federal law by refusing to hire refugees and people granted asylum in the United States.
www.nytimes.com
February 21, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Oh wow, what a crazy random happenstance.
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
Many saw the extension of OIRA review to independent regulatory agencies coming, but this EO does so much more... 🧵
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
www.whitehouse.gov
February 19, 2025 at 3:54 AM
Many saw the extension of OIRA review to independent regulatory agencies coming, but this EO does so much more... 🧵
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
New, from me: I talked with producers from Last Week Tonight about politicization of government, so was looking forward to seeing this episode. Its a good one, worth sharing.
(Plus, what does the research say about politicization and government performance).
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/what-resea...
(Plus, what does the research say about politicization and government performance).
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/what-resea...
What research tells us about politicization and state capacity
Also, Last Week Tonight on Trump's government takeover
donmoynihan.substack.com
February 19, 2025 at 1:42 PM
New, from me: I talked with producers from Last Week Tonight about politicization of government, so was looking forward to seeing this episode. Its a good one, worth sharing.
(Plus, what does the research say about politicization and government performance).
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/what-resea...
(Plus, what does the research say about politicization and government performance).
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/what-resea...
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
More of this: youtu.be/kDC-lmTwi9Q?...
Veteran speaks out after job at VA terminated in DOGE purge
YouTube video by CNN
youtu.be
February 19, 2025 at 1:39 PM
More of this: youtu.be/kDC-lmTwi9Q?...
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
This is immensely embarrassing. Sen. Grassley has been in Congress for *fifty years*. He is president pro tempore of the Senate. His *own Senate website* says "An often overlooked role of Congress is to ensure the laws it passes are faithfully executed."
www.politico.com/live-updates...
www.politico.com/live-updates...
Grassley on Musk's DOGE cuts: 'Congress can’t do anything except complain'
Chuck Grassley's comments signal Republicans aren't prepared to fight back against DOGE's crusade to slash government spending.
www.politico.com
February 18, 2025 at 8:54 PM
This is immensely embarrassing. Sen. Grassley has been in Congress for *fifty years*. He is president pro tempore of the Senate. His *own Senate website* says "An often overlooked role of Congress is to ensure the laws it passes are faithfully executed."
www.politico.com/live-updates...
www.politico.com/live-updates...
Reposted by Rachel Augustine Potter
Not even DOGE knows who is running DOGE (because apparently it's not Musk, at least not on paper).
From @makenakelly.bsky.social
www.wired.com/story/doge-e...
From @makenakelly.bsky.social
www.wired.com/story/doge-e...
Not Even DOGE Employees Know Who's Legally Running DOGE
Despite all appearances, the White House insists that Elon Musk is not in charge of DOGE. US Doge Service employees can't get a straight answer about who is.
www.wired.com
February 18, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Not even DOGE knows who is running DOGE (because apparently it's not Musk, at least not on paper).
From @makenakelly.bsky.social
www.wired.com/story/doge-e...
From @makenakelly.bsky.social
www.wired.com/story/doge-e...