The White House is ordering agencies to place its new app on all employees' government phones

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The White House is ordering agencies to place its new app on all employees’ government phones

The newly created, often overtly political app places the Trump administration into unprecedented and “dangerous” territory, IT experts say.

Natalie Alms and Eric Katz | May 22, 2026 05:08 PM ET
Updated May 22 at 8:57 p.m.

The White House recently unveiled a new app to give the public “unfiltered” access to “key priorities,” “historic moments” and “policy breakthroughs.” Now, it’s directing agencies to help install it on the government phones of federal employees. ... The Trump administration launched the app, which promises to “[keep] you connected to President Donald J. Trump and his administration like never before,” in March. ... The push to install the app on the devices of millions of government employees drew surprise from current and former federal officials, who called the move highly unusual and even dangerous.


The White House launched its new app in March 2026.

In at least one agency, the automatic downloads will start next week in a move directed by the White House itself, according to internal communications obtained by Government Executive. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Earlier this week, agency chief information officers got orders from the federal CIO, Greg Barbaccia, to help the White House understand the mechanics of installing the app across all government-furnished mobile phones in the executive branch, according to an internal email obtained by Government Executive. ... “The White House App gives all Americans direct access to White House live streams, breaking news alerts, new policy initiatives, social media posts, and more,” said Olivia Wales, a White House spokesperson. “Government devices typically include pre-installed apps that provide value to government employees’ day-to-day work.”

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The app includes official statements and policy announcements from the administration, as well as a feed of social media posts from White House accounts and the president. ... A button gives the option to “text President Trump,” which, when clicked, opens a text message to a pre-selected number with the default text “Greatest President Ever!” Sending the text signs the user up for alerts, which individuals can also do through the app itself.

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DOGE Agent: Gregory Barbaccia