Department of Government Efficiency Controversy

Mass Resignations Over Destructive Practices

Twenty-one employees at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), formerly known as the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), resigned on Tuesday in protest of the group’s actions, which they believe are causing harm to the U.S. government. These workers, who were part of the USDS until a month ago, were absorbed into DOGE after President Donald Trump took control of the agency and rebranded it.

Statement of Principles

The resigning employees wrote a letter, obtained by the Associated Press, stating, "We will not use our skills as technologists to compromise core government systems, jeopardize Americans’ sensitive data, or dismantle critical public services. We will not lend our expertise to carry out or legitimize DOGE’s actions." This statement reflects their commitment to upholding the integrity of the government and protecting the public interest.

Background of the U.S. Digital Service

The U.S. Digital Service was established during Barack Obama’s presidency to work on vital government programs from a technological perspective. However, under the leadership of Elon Musk, who has effectively taken control of the agency despite court filings suggesting he is not the official administrator, the agency has been transformed into a force that is dismantling the government’s machinery without regard for privacy rights or national security.

Actions of the Department of Government Efficiency

DOGE has been unilaterally canceling numerous contracts across the government, with Musk frequently tweeting about rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse. However, he has not provided evidence to support these claims and instead targets programs he disagrees with, cutting them without proper authority. This has resulted in a slash-and-burn approach that has affected every agency, from the Department of Homeland Security to the National Park Service.

Previous Layoffs and Criticisms

About 40 people were laid off from DOGE/USDS shortly after Trump took power, including a worker named Jonathan Kamens, who believes he was fired for his political views and criticism of Musk’s approach. Many of the original USDS employees were critical of the government’s operations and were working towards reform, but even they believe Musk’s actions are reckless and harmful.

Concerns from Former Employees

Cordell Schachter, who was working as the CIO at the U.S. Department of Transportation until she was absorbed into DOGE, expressed concerns about Musk’s approach. "‘Move fast and break things’ may be acceptable to someone who owns a business and owns the risk. And if things don’t go well, the damage is compartmentalized. But when you break things in government, you’re breaking things that belong to people who didn’t sign up for that," she said, highlighting the importance of responsible and considerate management of government systems.