Mackenzie Weinger

Senior Editor at Axios

@axios senior policy editor | former @nationaljournal managing editor | @ucsantabarbara & @warstudies alum | history, art & LA sports

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Articles

Trump budget proposes big cuts to tech and science agencies

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Ashley Gold |Mackenzie Weinger

President Trump's proposed FY 2026 budget massively slashes funding for key science and tech agencies. Why it matters: Scientists and researchers, already severely battered down by DOGE job cuts and grant cancellations, are in for even more of a devastating shakeup if Congress adopts this budget.
From art nouveau to pop culture: Phillips debuts Mucha exhibit

1 month ago | washdiplomat.com | Mackenzie Weinger

The Phillips Collection’s latest special exhibition offers an immersive and deeply satisfying look at the work and legacy of Czech painter and decorative artist Alphonse Mucha. “Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line” surveys his entire career, with over 100 works from the Mucha Trust Collection on display. It also catapults visitors into the 1960s and beyond, highlighting the way his work was rediscovered in psychedelic art, music and even manga.
How tech is weighing in on Trump 2.0's AI stance

2 months ago | axios.com | Ashley Gold |Mackenzie Weinger

Major AI companies are hoping to shape how the White House will approach AI policy as the government shifts from a risk-averse approach to one of full-throttle acceleration. Why it matters: Trump administration officials have made it clear beating China is a major priority, and have been knocking down or reshaping Biden-era AI policy focused on safety. Catch up quick: We already summed up what Anthropic and OpenAI told the White House.
Senate panel advances key Trump tech nominees

2 months ago | axios.com | Mackenzie Weinger

Michael Kratsios and Mark Meador on Feb. 25. Photo: Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesThe Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday advanced Michael Kratsios' nomination to lead OSTP and Mark Meador to be a FTC commissioner. Why it matters: If confirmed, Kratsios will advise President Trump and work with AI and crypto czar David Sacks on tech regulation and policy. • Meador, if confirmed, would fill the third Republican seat on the FTC.
Senate panel advances Trump's DOJ antitrust pick

2 months ago | axios.com | Mackenzie Weinger |Ashley Gold

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday advanced Gail Slater's nomination to lead the DOJ's antitrust division. The big picture: Senators voted 20-2. Slater's nomination now heads to the full Senate for a vote. Catch up quick: Slater had an easy time during her nominations hearing, suggesting she'll be confirmed quickly.
Senate Commerce advances kids' online safety, supply chain bills

Feb 5, 2025 | axios.com | Mackenzie Weinger

The Senate Commerce Committee favorably reported a handful of tech policy bills on Wednesday focused on kids' online safety, supply chain challenges and rural broadband. Why it matters: Senators are signaling their early tech priorities this Congress, and highlighting areas where they can work across the aisle.
Federal workers receive "deferred resignation" form agreement

Feb 3, 2025 | axios.com | Mackenzie Weinger |Maria Curi

Employees across the federal workforce received an email on Monday with a "deferred resignation agreement" document as part of the Trump administration's effort to get federal workers to resign. Why it matters: The "deferred resignation" program claims that federal workers will continue to be paid through Sept. 30, as long as they resign this week. • An OPM spokesperson confirmed to Axios this document was sent to federal workers on Monday.
Industry frets over fallout from Trump's tariffs

Feb 3, 2025 | axios.com | Mackenzie Weinger

• Trump has long been fixated on tariffs, and now he's following through on his campaign trade pledges. • Buckle up: Trump said repeatedly over the last week that tariffs on foreign-made chips are coming soon on his list.
Kids safety, supply chains and more

Jan 30, 2025 | axios.com | Mackenzie Weinger

Kids' online safety, supply chains and AI are the major themes of the bills lawmakers are introducing to set the tech policy agenda in the new Congress. Here's a roundup of the bills you need to know right now. 1. The Kids Off Social Media Act would set a minimum age of 13 to use social media platforms and prohibit companies from recommending algorithmically-targeted content to anyone under 17. • KOSMA would make the FTC and state attorneys general the primary enforcement authority.
Lutnick's confirmation hearing set for Jan. 29

Jan 23, 2025 | axios.com | Mackenzie Weinger

The Senate Commerce Committee will hold the confirmation hearing for Howard Lutnick's nomination for Commerce secretary at 10am ET on Jan. 29. Why it matters: The Commerce Department plays a critical role in overseeing and implementing the CHIPS and Science Act and export controls on emerging tech. • As Commerce secretary, Lutnick would be tasked with delivering the president's trade and tariffs policies.