Key Points
- Over 25,000 people expressed interest in joining the new “Tech Force.” The administration will select only 1,000 recruits for the first group.
- Tech experts will serve two-year terms at agencies like the DOJ and DHS.
- This program is a rare exception to Trump’s plan to cut government jobs.
- The primary goal is to leverage AI expertise to enhance national security.
The Trump administration is experiencing a surge of interest in its new “Tech Force” program. According to Scott Kupor, who leads the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, roughly 25,000 people have already signed up to express their interest. This new group of experts will help the federal government handle projects involving artificial intelligence and advanced data engineering.
While the interest is high, the competition will be tough. The administration plans to hire only 1,000 people for the first group. These recruits will work as software and data engineers across several major federal agencies. Kupor mentioned that these experts will spend two years working on important projects inside the Departments of Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Justice.
This hiring spree stands out because it runs counter to the President’s broader plan for the government. Since taking office for his second term, Trump has focused heavily on cutting costs and eliminating federal jobs. He has already launched a campaign to significantly downsize the government.
However, he made it clear that some roles are too important to cut. His administration views AI and high-tech talent as essential for national security. By bringing in outside experts, the government hopes to stay ahead in the global tech race and make federal agencies more efficient.
Other presidents have tried similar programs in the past. Both Joe Biden and Barack Obama launched initiatives to bring Silicon Valley talent into Washington to fix aging computer systems. However, the Trump administration’s version focuses specifically on AI as a tool for national defense.
For the thousands of engineers on the list, the next step will be a selection process to narrow the field down to the final 1,000. The administration wants people who can build and manage complex systems from scratch. These roles offer tech workers a chance to see how the government functions from the inside while applying their skills to large-scale public problems.
Even as most federal departments are shrinking, the Tech Force shows that the administration is willing to hire when it believes technology can make a real difference.
