The Daily Scoop Podcast
Episode Title: Department of Education tech employees lose union protections
Date: February 4, 2026
Host: Billy Mitchell

Episode Overview

This episode explores two major topics affecting the federal government:

1. The impact of a recent executive order resulting in over 100 Department of Education technology workers losing their union protections.
2. Tensions in the Middle East after a U.S. F-35 shot down an Iranian drone approaching a U.S. aircraft carrier, foreshadowing rising hostilities between the U.S. and Iran.

Billy Mitchell provides context and reactions from stakeholders, focusing especially on federal workforce rights and cybersecurity's evolving role in policy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Loss of Union Protections for Department of Education Tech Employees

([00:30]–[03:32])

• What Happened:
  Over 100 tech employees in the Department of Education (Ed Dept), specifically from the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) and Federal Student Aid's Office of the Chief Technology Officer (FSA CTO), were informed they lost union protections "late last month".
• Reason Cited:
  This action follows a Trump executive order targeting positions with real or potential national security/cybersecurity functions, claiming these roles are incompatible with collective bargaining protections.
• Scope:
  The order affects about 120 staff, nearly nine months after its signing, as confirmed by AFGE Local 252, the union representing these employees.
• Union’s Response & Critique:
  • Rachel Gittleman (AFGE Local 252 president):
    • Challenges the rationale, arguing these positions aren’t tied to intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work, as specified by the executive order.
    • Quote, [01:28]:

      "The Department of Education does not engage in any intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative or national security work, suggesting that the move is a way to strip labor rights away from the federal workforce."

    • Points to the FSA CTO’s focus on tech products (like FAFSA and Public Service Loan Forgiveness applications), not information resource management with security implications.
• Context:
  The broader order removed collective bargaining rights at some agencies and for certain positions across government defined as having intelligence or security functions.

2. U.S. Military Shoots Down Iranian Drone in the Arabian Sea

([03:34]–[04:06])

• Incident Details:
  An American F-35C Lightning II fighter jet, launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln, shot down a Shahed-139 UAS drone after it aggressively approached a U.S. aircraft carrier—“with unclear intent,” per CENTCOM.
• Escalating Tensions:
  Shortly after the shootdown, two Iranian Revolutionary Guard ships and another drone approached a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to seize it.
• Broader Context:
  Occurred days after President Trump threatened military action against Iran in response to the regime’s protest crackdowns, and on the eve of possible new nuclear negotiations.
  • Notable Moment, [03:48]:

    "The dual incidents could spell increased tensions between Washington and Tehran..."

• Outcome:
  No U.S. personnel or equipment were harmed. The incident highlights both the rapidly evolving role of military technology and the seriousness of regional security concerns.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rachel Gittleman – On the Relevance of the Executive Order ([01:28]):

  "The Department of Education does not engage in any intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative or national security work, suggesting that the move is a way to strip labor rights away from the federal workforce."

• Host Billy Mitchell – On the Broader Implications ([03:48]):

  "The dual incidents could spell increased tensions between Washington and Tehran after President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iran..."

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:30] — Details of Department of Education employees losing union protections
• [01:28] — Rachel Gittleman's statement/counterarguments
• [03:34] — U.S. F-35C shoots down Iranian drone, CENTCOM response
• [03:48] — Summary of rising U.S.–Iran tensions and context

Tone & Style

Billy Mitchell maintains an objective, news-driven tone, while union leader Rachel Gittleman offers direct critique through her statement. The episode provides a factual, concise overview, balancing government policy explanations and on-the-ground reactions.

Conclusion

In this episode, The Daily Scoop Podcast covers the intersection of federal workforce policy with cybersecurity and delves into new geopolitical tensions involving American and Iranian forces. The show highlights the controversial removal of union protections from Ed Dept tech staff, union pushback, and how the definition of “national security roles” is contested. It also briefly underlines the escalating situation in the Middle East following a U.S. military engagement with Iranian assets.

For more news at the intersection of government and technology, listeners are directed to fedscoop.com.