Horizon cutting-room links: Friday, 8 Augut 2025

"House committee’s top Democrat presses for details on HHS layoffs," Federal News Network

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) is seeking the deets on HHS’s layoffs of thousands of federal employees.

• Rep. Scott has sent multiple letters to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. seeking clarification on the layoffs and their effects on agency operations, emphasizing the lack of sufficient information provided to Congress.
• HHS has reduced its workforce by approximately 25 percent this year, with around 10,000 employees receiving RIF notices and another 10,000 leaving through voluntary separation incentives.
• A federal judge ruled that the mass layoffs at HHS were likely unlawful, yet subsequent Supreme Court rulings allowed the Trump administration to continue its downsizing efforts, raising concerns about compliance with legal directives.

"Trump illegally froze 1,800 NIH medical research grants, Congress’ watchdog says,” Government Executive

A recent GAO report reported that President Donald Trump's administration illegally froze $8 billion in NIH funding, which affected approximately 1,800 health research grants. This action violated the Impoundment Control Act by failing to allocate funds that Congress had previously approved.

• Trump's freeze on NIH funding was deemed illegal, violating the Impoundment Control Act, as it halted congressionally approved funds essential for health research.
• The freeze affected approximately 1,800 grants, including those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and environmental issues, leading to a significant drop in NIH funding obligations.
• Congressional Democrats have called for the immediate release of the withheld funds, emphasizing the detrimental impact on medical research initiatives aimed at addressing serious health conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

"OPM launches ‘radically different’ training program for federal executives," Federal News Network

OPM has introduced a new training initiative for federal executives that aims to address gaps in leadership development resulting from the recent dismantling of established training programs. This program aligns with the Trump administration’s new expectations for the Senior Executive Service (SES).

• The new training program is described as “radically different” from previous offerings, emphasizing practical skills and costing significantly less than earlier programs, with fees ranging from $1,500 to $8,500.
• Following the elimination of the Federal Executive Institute, OPM's new program focuses on equipping aspiring leaders with the skills, knowledge, and strategic mindset to excel in senior roles.
• Concerns have been raised regarding OPM's capacity to manage the new program effectively amid significant staff reductions, which may hinder the agency's ability to meet the growing demand for leadership development across the federal government.

"GPT-5 is being released to all ChatGPT users," the Verge

OpenAI has announced the release of GPT-5, its latest AI model, to all ChatGPT users.

• This follows GSA’s announcement that OpenAI is making its LLM available to all federal agencies for only $1 per agency.
• GPT-5 is described as "the best model in the world" for coding and writing, with capabilities surpassing previous models like GPT-3 and GPT-4.
• OpenAI has emphasized improved safety measures within GPT-5, including "safe completions" for sensitive prompts and the acknowledgment of limitations when unable to fulfill a request, aiming to build user trust in the AI's responses.

"Nvidia rejects US demand for backdoors in AI chips," the Verge

Nvidia’s chief security officer has declared that the company’s GPUs will not include backdoors or kill switches, rejecting US government.

• Nvidia's Chief Security Officer, David Reber Jr., emphasizes the dangers of backdoors and kill switches in GPUs, stating they create vulnerabilities rather than enhancing security.
• The US government is pushing for legislation that would require tracking technology in chips, which Nvidia argues could compromise its position as a supplier of AI chips in China amidst rising competition from local firms like Huawei.
• Reber Jr. warns that US access to Nvidia's hardware could threaten the company's market share, as Chinese chip manufacturers continue to advance their capabilities, potentially disrupting Nvidia's dominance in the AI chip market.

"The Internet Wants to Check Your I.D.," New Yorker

The recent surge in digital identity verification requirements raises significant concerns about privacy and the fundamental nature of the open internet. The cases of apps like Tea and legislative measures like the UK's Online Safety Act illustrate the delicate balance between protecting users, especially minors, and preserving anonymity and accessibility.

• The Tea app, designed as a women-only platform to combat unsafe dating experiences, faced a data breach where users' sensitive information was leaked, highlighting the risks associated with identity verification systems.
• The UK's Online Safety Act mandates age verification for online content, leading to concerns that such regulations may compromise user privacy and hinder access to important online communities
• As global regulations increase, including proposed laws in Australia and the US, the impact on marginalized groups raises questions about the balance between safety and surveillance, potentially making the internet a less safe space for those who rely on anonymity.