14 JULY-AUGUST 2026 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Site of the Month: Department of Government Waste The appearance of a particular site or podcast is for information only and does not constitute an endorsement. T his ongoing documentary portrait project examines the personal impact of federal workforce reductions, contract terminations, and program cuts across the United States. The project pairs formal studio portraiture with excerpts from recorded conversations, creating a visual and oral record of federal workers and contractors dismissed as “waste.” Each participant is photographed in a consistent studio format and paired with reflections on work, identity, purpose, and what it means to be told their role no longer has value. Current and former federal employees, contractors, and others directly affected by recent workforce reductions or program changes are invited to participate. Sessions last approximately one hour and include a photographed portrait and a recorded conversation. Participation is voluntary, and those who prefer not to be publicly identifiable may participate anonymously, including by withholding their name or appearing in silhouette. Portrait sessions are currently conducted at Open Gov Hub in Washington, D.C., with additional locations possible as the project expands. To learn more or inquire about participating, go to the contact page at https://www.departmentofgovernment waste.com/ or email hello@department ofgovernmentwaste.com. prosperous”—with one honoree per category. The smaller cadre of honorees reflects a drop in agency participation. The four awardees were selected from roughly 140 nominations across 39 agencies and subcomponents, compared to more than 500 nominations and 25 finalists in 2024. Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, attributed the decline to “upheaval” across the federal workforce under the Trump administration, noting that some agencies that typically submit dozens of nominations submitted none this year. Despite the diminished pool, Stier emphasized the importance of recognizing federal employees who continue to deliver impactful work under challenging circumstances. This year’s ceremony, held at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., also fell during Public Service Recognition Week, which has commemorated public servants each May since 1985. Limited-Edition Passport to Feature Trump Portrait The White House has confirmed that a limited number of U.S. passports featuring a portrait of President Donald Trump will be released as part of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of
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