Trump admin launches US Tech Force to recruit temporary workers after shedding thousands this year

Some of the recruits to government service will be on leaves of absence from private sector companies while working for government — a setup that raises ethical questions about conflicts of interest.

After pushing hundreds of thousands of government employees to leave their posts and dismantling many government technology units, the Trump administration is launching an effort to recruit new technology talent.

The United States Tech Force, announced Monday, is meant to source the artificial intelligence talent the government needs to win the global AI race and modernize the government, the administration says. The goal is to recruit an initial cohort of around 1,000 technologists who will be placed in agencies for two-year stints, potentially as soon as March. 

“We need you,” said Scott Kupor, the director of the Office of Personnel Management. “The U.S. Tech Force offers the chance to build and lead projects of national importance, while ...