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White House Names Former OSTP Adviser Ethan Klein as US Chief Technology Officer
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The White House. The White House issued a press release on Ethan Klein's appointment as U.S. chief technology officer

The Senate has confirmed Ethan Klein as the nation’s fifth-ever chief technology officer and as associate director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

The White House said in a press release posted on the social media site X that Klein will oversee national policy efforts that reinforce U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence, quantum, nuclear energy and other emerging technologies.

Data from Congress revealed that Senate legislators voted 53-43 in favor of Klein’s confirmation on Thursday.

Who Is Ethan Klein?

Klein returns to the White House, where he served as policy adviser at the OSTP during President Donald Trump’s first term.

Outside of the White House, he is a nuclear engineer who held roles at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the National Nuclear Security Administration.

In a statement, Klein thanked Trump and OSTP Director Michael Kratsios for “entrusting me with the role of U.S. Chief Technology Officer at this pivotal moment.”

“As someone who has worked both at the lab bench and the White House, I believe deeply in America’s vibrant tech ecosystem and the promise of emerging technologies to fundamentally improve American lives,” he said. “The Golden Age of American Innovation has only just begun.”

Klein earned his Master of Business Administration from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and his doctorate in nuclear engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

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Maj. Gen. Luke Cropsey Nominated for Air Force Acquisition Military Deputy Role
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Maj. Gen. Luke Cropsey. The Air Force’s PEO CB3M has been nominated as military deputy within theAF Acquisition Office.

President Donald Trump has nominated Maj. Gen. Luke Cropsey, the U.S. Air Force’s program executive officer for command, control, communications and battle management, to serve as the next military deputy within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition Technology and Logistics.

In a general officer announcement published Thursday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, a 2025 Wash100 Award winner, announced that Cropsey is also up for promotion to the rank of lieutenant general.

If confirmed, Cropsey will succeed Lt. Gen. Dale White, who was confirmed by the Senate for promotion to the rank of general to serve in the newly-created role of direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapons systems, the Air and Space Forces Magazine reported.

White’s nomination was announced in November.

Dive into the latest USAF emerging technology efforts at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29!

Who Is Maj. Gen. Luke Cropsey?

Cropsey has been serving as PEO C3BM since September 2022. In this capacity, he helps align acquisition authorities and technical architecture to facilitate the delivery of decision advantage capabilities through the USAF’s Battle Network.

Before taking on his current role, he served as director of the Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, or AFLCMC, and as director of international affairs within Air Force Materiel Command.

His previous roles include senior military assistant within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; senior materiel leader and head of the ICBM Directorate within the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center; and senior materiel leader of the Advanced Programs Division within AFLCMC’s Armament Directorate.

Cropsey is a certified Level III engineer and program manager who held key acquisition, engineering and sustainment positions on Air Force conventional and nuclear weapon systems.

The U.S. Air Force Academy engineering mechanics graduate holds a master’s degree in materials science from Michigan State University.

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White House Orders Federal Agencies to Free Lower 7 GHz Band for Commercial 6G
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6G graphic. The White House issued a memorandum focusing on ensuring U.S. leadership in 6G

President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum that tasks federal agencies to clear the 7.125 to 7.4 gigahertz band for commercial 6G.

In a White House fact sheet published Friday, the memorandum aims to ensure U.S. leadership in the global race for 6G, which is expected to serve a pivotal role in artificial intelligence, robotics and other advanced technologies over the next decade.

White House Orders Federal Agencies to Free Lower 7 GHz Band for Commercial 6G

Hear directly from Lt. Col. Benjamin Pimentel, technical lead for Expeditionary & Tactical Programs FutureG at the Department of War, during a panel on 5G and beyond with military leaders and defense industry representatives at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29. Register today.

How Will the US Achieve Global Leadership in 6G?

Agencies have 12 months to submit relocation plans for federal systems in the lower 7 GHz to free up the spectrum while reinforcing national security, according to the document.

The memorandum also directs assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information to work with the assistants to the president for economic policy and science and technology to study the possible relocation of critical systems in 2.69-2.9 GHz and 4.4-4.94 GHz for 6G use.

The White House said the memorandum ensures that American companies and firms from allied nations have access to the bands they need for 6G network development. Additionally, the president wants the secretary of state and other government officials to advance 6G through diplomatic engagements.

The memorandum aligns with the technology prosperity deals that the United States government signed with Japan and South Korea in October to advance science and technology cooperation. Under the deals, Washington will work with Tokyo and Seoul to promote secure and trusted 6G networks. 

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OSC Solicits Industry Comments on Draft ‘Mission Authorization’ Concept
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Office of Space Commerce logo. OSC is seeking industry input on its draft mission authorization concept.

The Office of Space Commerce within the Department of Commerce has begun soliciting feedback from industry stakeholders on its initial draft concept for a single, opt-in process to authorize novel space activities.

Engage with industry leaders and experts to explore how they are addressing evolving threats and driving innovation in the air and space domains at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air & Space Summit. Book your spot now for this must-attend event!

OSC said Wednesday the draft mission authorization concept seeks to comply with a section of an executive order that aims to streamline regulations and promote competition in the commercial space industry.

According to OSC, Section 5 of the EO, signed by President Trump in August, directs the secretary of commerce to establish a process for authorizing novel space activities that are not clearly governed by existing regulations as part of a push to expedite approvals and enhance U.S. competitiveness in space.

How Does the Proposed Mission Authorization Concept Work?

Under the proposed “space commerce certification” process, companies submit their plans through OSC and make “light-touch commitments” to protect national security, international obligations, safety of third parties and other national interests.

OSC is responsible for circulating the application to relevant federal agencies for comment while conducting due diligence. The office may certify the proposed operations if commitments are satisfactory. If not, it has the authority to direct applicants back to the traditional regulatory process.

Through the process, the Federal Aviation Administration can use the OSC certification as part of an expedited review for payload approvals. Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission can accept the certification to satisfy non-frequency requirements.

What Feedback Is OSC Seeking on the Mission Authorization Concept?

OSC is seeking input from industry stakeholders on specific elements of the draft concept and conditions that should be included to meet U.S. statutory requirements. Stakeholders may also provide general comments regarding the mission authorization of novel space activities. 

In early December, OSC conducted an online event to discuss concepts for the U.S. regulatory authorization of novel space activities.

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Air Force Advances X-62 VISTA Upgrades to Expand Autonomous Flight Test Capability
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Air Force logo. The U.S. Air Force has started upgrading the X-62 VISTA test aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force has begun a new modernization phase for the X-62 VISTA test aircraft, expanding its role as a flight test platform for autonomy, artificial intelligence and mission-system integration.

Air Force Advances X-62 VISTA Upgrades to Expand Autonomous Flight Test Capability

AI is now embedded in how government and defense organizations operate, moving rapidly from experimentation to mission use. The 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 19 will bring together federal, defense and industry practitioners to discuss how AI, machine learning and automation are being applied today; where adoption is heading next; and what practical challenges remain. Register now.

The effort is being executed with funding from the Test Resource Management Center and implemented through the 412th Test Wing’s Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, the USAF said Thursday. The work is designed to enhance the aircraft as a test infrastructure.

What Is Being Upgraded on the X-62 VISTA?

Rather than conducting operations, the platform serves as a developmental sandbox supporting integration, interoperability and resilience testing.

The mission systems upgrade focuses on enabling more complex test scenarios by integrating advanced sensors, mission systems and autonomy-enabling technologies. According to the Air Force, the improvements will enable the aircraft to assess how AI systems integrate with combat-relevant mission hardware and collaborate with airborne agents in real time.

The upgrade builds on capabilities demonstrated during the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Air Combat Evolution program. The X-62 complements other USAF autonomy initiatives, including the Viper Experimentation and Next-Generation Operations Model program.

Raytheon Radar Integration

VISTA is a modified F-16D Block 30 test aircraft that has been upgraded with Block 40 avionics, serving as a hybrid test bed integrated with machine learning and specialized software.

As part of the upgrade effort, RTX’s Raytheon was awarded a contract to equip the X-62 with its PhantomStrike radar, a compact, air-cooled fire-control radar designed for smaller size, weight and power requirements.

PhantomStrike supports digital beamforming, multimodal operations and simultaneous air and ground targeting.

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HHS Seeks Public Input on Accelerating AI Adoption in Healthcare
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HHS logo. HHS seeks feedback on using AI to improve clinical care, reduce provider burden and lower healthcare costs.

The Department of Health and Human Services has issued a new request for information seeking public input on how artificial intelligence can be more rapidly adopted in clinical care to reduce costs, improve outcomes and ease provider burden across the U.S. healthcare system.

HHS said Friday that stakeholders are invited to share perspectives on how it can better use its regulatory, reimbursement and research authorities to enable practical, safe AI deployment. The effort is being led by the HHS Office of the Deputy Secretary as part of a broader push to extend the department’s AI strategy beyond internal operations.

HHS Seeks Public Input on Accelerating AI Adoption in Healthcare

Federal healthcare agencies are navigating rapid change as technology, data and user experience expectations continue to evolve. The 2025 Healthcare Summit on Feb. 12 will convene government and industry leaders to examine how modernization efforts across health IT, interoperability, cybersecurity and digital services are shaping care delivery for service members, veterans and the public. Register now.

What Outcomes Is HHS Seeking From AI Use in Healthcare?

The agency is particularly interested in how AI tools could enhance patient and caregiver experiences, improve care quality and deliver efficiency gains that help lessen healthcare spending for consumers and government programs. Respondents are also encouraged to discuss how existing digital health and software regulatory frameworks may need to evolve to accommodate AI-driven tools while ensuring patient safety.

Another focus area is reimbursement. HHS is seeking feedback on how payment structures could be simplified or better aligned to support technologies that reduce administrative workload and enable more efficient care delivery. The RFI also inquires about how federal research and development investments can enhance implementation science and establish best practices, particularly in complex or high-acuity clinical environments.

“We want to hear from you,” said HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill. “Our efforts to accelerate AI adoption must be guided by the real needs and experiences of those developing these tools and delivering care.”

The RFI complements HHS’ recently released AI strategy, which outlines a “OneHHS” framework for modernizing care delivery, strengthening governance and advancing research through responsible AI use.

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Senate Confirms Kirsten Davies as Pentagon CIO
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Kirsten Davies. The cybersecurity leader received Senate confirmation for the Pentagon CIO role.

The Senate has confirmed Kirsten Davies, a technology and cybersecurity leader, as the Department of War’s chief information officer. 

Senate Confirms Kirsten Davies as Pentagon CIO

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DefenseScoop reported that the upper chamber on Thursday voted 53-43 to confirm Davies for the CIO role. Her nomination was part of a broader slate of federal government nominees approved en bloc by the Senate.

What Are Kirsten Davies’ Top Priorities as Pentagon CIO?

During her Senate confirmation hearing, Davies said her priorities would include addressing the “tech debt” at DOW; working with other officials to “embed the building blocks of AI supporting data supremacy and decision dominance” for the U.S. military, allies and partners; and advancing a new generation of cyber partnerships with industry, according to DefenseScoop.

President Trump nominated Davies for the position in May.

With her confirmation, Davies will assume responsibilities from Katie Arrington, who currently performs the duties of the DOD CIO. Arrington is a former South Carolina state lawmaker and a previous Wash100 awardee.

Who Is Kirsten Davies?

According to her LinkedIn profile, Davies served as chief information security officer at Unilever. Prior to that, she was senior vice president and CISO at The Estee Lauder Companies.

Her industry career also includes roles as managing director and group chief security officer at Barclays; VP and deputy CISO at Hewlett-Packard; global deputy CISO at Siemens; and senior associate at Booz Allen Hamilton.

In addition to her corporate leadership experience, Davies is the founder and CEO of the Institute for Cyber, a nonprofit organization.

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Executive Order Targets 2028 Moon Landing
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White House. President Trump signed an executive order that calls for the return of astronauts to the lunar surface by 2028.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that calls for the return of American astronauts to the moon by 2028 as part of efforts to ensure U.S. leadership in space exploration, commerce and security.

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In a fact sheet published Thursday, the White House said the EO also calls for the establishment of initial components of a permanent outpost on the moon by 2030.

The new policy came four months after the president signed an EO to streamline regulations and promote competition in the commercial space industry.

What Other Space Priorities Are Outlined in the Executive Order?

The directive also outlines a broader set of priorities advancing U.S. space leadership. 

The EO directs the deployment of nuclear reactors to the lunar surface and in orbit, including a lunar surface reactor expected to be ready for launch by 2030. It also emphasizes strengthening national security in space by ensuring the country’s ability to detect, characterize and counter security threats to U.S. space assets.

The order encourages private sector innovation and investment by upgrading launch infrastructure and creating a commercial pathway to replace the International Space Station by 2030. 

Through the new directive, the Trump administration requires the assistant to the president for science and technology, or APST, to coordinate national space policy initiatives and directs federal agencies to collaborate to streamline the procurement process and implement space security strategies.

What Role Does the APST Play in Advancing US Space Policy Under the EO? 

The executive order directs the APST to coordinate the overall implementation of the policy, including issuing guidance for a National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power and proposing revisions to the National Space Transportation Policy.

Under the EO, the APST should integrate plans and reports from NASA, the Department of Commerce and the Department of War to address supply chain, technology and industrial capacity gaps while advancing U.S. space exploration and security objectives.

Executive Order Targets 2028 Moon Landing
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Dan Bongino to Leave FBI Deputy Director Role
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Dan Bongino. The FBI deputy director will depart the bureau in January.

Dan Bongino will leave his post as FBI deputy director in January, ending a tenure that began earlier this year.

Bongino confirmed his departure in a post on the social media platform X on Thursday. He did not cite a reason for his exit or outline future plans.

“I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you,” Bongino said. “God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”

When Did Dan Bongino Become FBI Deputy Director?

Bongino was selected in February by FBI Director Kash Patel to serve as the bureau’s second-highest-ranking official. 

Patel described Bongino as a key partner in advancing internal reforms and operational priorities at the bureau.

“Dan is the best partner I could’ve asked for in helping restore this FBI,” Patel said. “He brought critical reforms to make the organization more efficient, led the successful Summer Heat op, served as the people’s voice for transparency, and delivered major breakthroughs in long unsolved cases like the pipe bomb investigation.” Patel added that Bongino “far exceeded” expectations during his tenure.

What Is Dan Bongino’s Law Enforcement Background?

Bongino began his public service career with the New York Police Department in the mid-1990s before joining the U.S. Secret Service in 1999. His assignments included financial fraud investigations, instructor roles at the Secret Service Training Center and service in the Presidential Protective Division under former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

After concluding protective duty, Bongino returned to criminal investigations in the Baltimore Field Office, where he served as lead agent on a multimillion-dollar fraud case that resulted in successful prosecutions.

Bongino holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the City University of New York. He also earned a master’s degree from Penn State University.

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Trump Nominates USINDOPACOM’s Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd as NSA, CYBERCOM Leader
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Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, deputy commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Rudd has been nominated as head of NSA and CYBERCOM

The Senate has confirmed receipt of President Donald Trump’s nomination of Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, deputy commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, as director of the National Security Agency and commander of the U.S. Cyber Command.

According to data on Congress.gov, the nomination was received from the White House on Monday and was promptly referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Rudd’s nomination will also be sent to the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Additionally, the president recommended that Rudd be promoted to the rank of general. 

Is Joshua Rudd the Next NSA-CYBERCOM Leader?

The Department of War officially confirmed Rudd’s nomination for the dual-hat position on Thursday as part of its General Officer Announcements. 

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., who serves as vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a statement to Politico that he is looking forward to “reviewing Lt. Gen. Rudd’s nomination and evaluating his qualifications to lead the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command at a moment of unprecedented cyber and national security threats.”

NSA and CYBERCOM have been without an official leader since April. Lt. Gen. William Hartman currently oversees the organizations in an acting capacity. 

Who Is Joshua Rudd?

Rudd entered active duty as a quartermaster officer and became a Special Forces officer after completing the Special Forces assessment and selection in 1996. 

Throughout his military career, he “commanded at every echelon,” according to his biography on PACOM.mil. His command assignments include Operations of the 25th Infantry Division, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) and Forward Deployed Combined Joint Task Force. 

He also served as commander of the Special Operations Command Pacific and oversaw planning and execution of sustained special operations in the Indo-Pacific region. 

Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that Rudd’s selection as NSA and CYBERCOM leader is based on his experience operating in a region that includes China, Nextgov/FCW reported.

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