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

Lutnick confirms CHIPS Act deals are up for renegotiation

3 weeks ago | axios.com | Mackenzie Weinger

Axios Pro Exclusive ContentLutnick on June 4. Photo: Sha Hanting/China News Service/VCG via Getty ImagesCommerce Secretary Howard Lutnickthis week told Congressthat the Trump administration is renegotiating some CHIPS Act awards, and some previously approved deals likely won't survive. The big picture: Lawmakers widely see the program to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing as key to competing with China. What they're saying: "Are we renegotiating?
Exclusive: Americans back a national AI standard, poll finds

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

Axios Pro Exclusive ContentIllustration: Tiffany Herring/AxiosMost Americans say they support a national AI standard and think a patchwork of state laws will make it harder for the U.S. to compete with China, according to a poll shared first with Axios today. The big picture: Congress is notoriously slow to move on tech policy and is currently considering a moratorium on state-level AI regulation in the reconciliation bill.
Senate Commerce advances Dabbar's deputy Commerce secretary nomination

1 month ago | axios.com | Ashley Gold |Mackenzie Weinger

Axios Pro Exclusive ContentPaul Dabbar on May 1. Photo: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesThe Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday advanced Paul Dabbar to be deputy Commerce secretary in a17-11 vote. Why it matters: If confirmed, Dabbar will join Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick at the center of major debates on semiconductors, AI, quantum, trade and more.
Trump budget proposes big cuts to tech and science agencies

1 month 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

Mar 20, 2025 | 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

Mar 13, 2025 | 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

Mar 12, 2025 | 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

Feb 27, 2025 | 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.