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'We Don’t Want an AI Demo, We Want Answers’: Federal Workers Grill Trump Appointee During All-Hands

Mar 21, 2025 - wired.com
Stephen Ehikian, the acting administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), held his first all-hands meeting since his appointment by President Donald Trump. The meeting, attended by hundreds in person and thousands online, was marked by employee dissatisfaction over recent changes, including reductions in force and the loss of access to critical software tools. Employees expressed frustration over the focus on an AI demo instead of addressing pressing concerns. The AI tool, GSAi, developed by the Technology Transformation Services, is intended to assist with mundane tasks but is being pushed for broader use by Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The meeting highlighted tensions over the return-to-office mandate and the perceived inefficiencies in the current leadership's approach.

Ehikian presented GSA's goals, including cost-saving measures and IT innovation, but employees remained skeptical, questioning the accuracy of reported statistics and the impact of cuts on public service value. The leadership change has led to significant staff turnover, with over 1,835 employees taking deferred resignation offers. The meeting also revealed concerns about the influence of DOGE, despite Ehikian's denial of its presence at GSA. Employees questioned the future implications of Ehikian's role and the agency's direction, particularly regarding AI and IT software procurement.

Key takeaways:

  • Stephen Ehikian hosted his first all-hands meeting as acting administrator of the GSA, where employees expressed concerns about job security and access to critical tools.
  • The GSA introduced GSAi, a chatbot tool, during the meeting, but employees were more interested in discussing reductions in force and other pressing issues.
  • There is skepticism among employees about the presence and influence of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) within the GSA, despite official denials.
  • Ehikian outlined goals for the GSA, including cost-saving measures and IT innovation, but employees questioned the impact on the agency's ability to serve the public effectively.
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