The FED Weekly

This episode of The FED Weekly delivers comprehensive updates for federal employees and retirees for the week of May 24-30, 2026. We report exceptional growth in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), led by the International I Fund, but caution that retirees may not see the expected tax reductions. A major Supreme Court decision in Margollin v. National Association of Immigration Judges restricts federal workers' ability to bypass administrative appeals processes, even as the Merit Systems Protection Board faces operational gridlock.

A cost comparison study on suspending Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) for Medicare Advantage shows potential savings, especially in urban areas. Still, it warns of structural risks, such as prior authorizations and a lack of family coverage. Rising student loan defaults now threaten Social Security benefits for retirees. Advocacy groups stress continued vigilance to protect benefits and scrutinize state-based retirement rankings. Key workforce developments include proposals for government-wide nondisclosure agreements, the elimination of the time-in-grade promotion rule, White House-mandated mobile app installs on government devices, understaffing in emergency management, and restructuring threats across agencies. Additional topics include rapid changes to immigration enforcement, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's legal actions, and tighter OPM administrative leave guidelines.