Horizon cutting-room links: Wednesday, 26 November 2025

Happy Thanksgiving, from the Horizon. We will be dark until Monday, 1 December. See you then.

"DOGE 'Cut Muscle, Not Fat'; 26K Experts Rehired After Brutal Cuts," Ars Technica

DOGE, created by Elon Musk to streamline government operations, was terminated eight months early, and its drastic cuts led to the rehiring of over 26,000 essential workers.

• DOGE was designed to save the government up to $1 trillion but only reported savings of $214 billion, a figure critics deemed exaggerated by nearly 40 percent.
• After Musk's departure, confidence in DOGE plummeted, leading to numerous lawsuits over illegal firings and a chaotic rehiring process that revealed many critical roles were initially cut.
• The rapid downsizing resulted in 154,000 federal employees signing up for deferred resignation, significantly impacting government services and raising concerns about national security and public health capabilities.

"Foreign Spies Are Targeting Army Soldiers, Civilians and Families, Official Warns," GovExec

A recent memo from a top military intelligence official warns that foreign adversaries are actively targeting US Army personnel and their families through deceptive tactics, including fake companies and recruiters. The communication highlights the persistent threat of espionage against those connected to the government.

• A memo issued by Lt. Gen. Anthony R. Hale warns Army personnel about foreign intelligence operatives posing as legitimate companies to gather sensitive information. This warning comes as the government reopened on 12 November 2025, following a shutdown, suggesting adversaries are exploiting the situation.
• Recruitment efforts by foreign spies have intensified, particularly targeting individuals with security clearances or expertise in sensitive areas. They are using platforms like Reddit and Discord to engage with servicemembers, gradually probing for sensitive information.
• Suspected Chinese intelligence operations have been reported, utilizing fake job postings to lure former federal employees. The FBI has acknowledged these tactics and is actively monitoring efforts to recruit disgruntled federal workers with access to classified information.

"U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy and FAA Administrator Bedford Announce $10,000 Award for Employees Who Kept U.S. Skies Safe During Democrats’ Shutdown," FAA Aviation News

DOT Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced that 776 air traffic controllers and technicians will receive a $10,000 award for these essential workers who maintained operations during the shutdown. President Donald Trump directed the recognition; recipients will receive an automated notification and payment by 9 December.