The General Services Administration (GSA) eliminated one of its technology units, 18F, early Saturday morning as part of the Trump administration’s directive to reduce federal workforce and spending. The 18F office, responsible for key services like Login.gov, employed researchers, website designers, and product managers. About 70 employees, including product and account managers, procurement specialists, and engineers, were affected, with an additional two dozen cut in February. Thomas Shedd, director of the Technology Transformation Services subagency, stated the decision came from top leadership within the administration and GSA. These cuts, driven by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, aim to shrink the federal government and cut budgets. GSA’s acting administrator, Stephen Ehikian, plans to reduce expenses by eliminating contracts and personnel. The move reflects a shift towards a Silicon Valley-style approach, contrasting with the agency’s traditional work culture. — news from POLITICO
