doge days are over as trump disbands elon musk’s team of federal cost-cutters

Department of Government Efficiency Disbanded

The Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, has been officially disbanded by the Trump administration. This decision occurred despite the team still having months remaining on its original mandate.

This controversial team, previously under the direction of Elon Musk, was tasked with identifying and eliminating inefficiencies within the federal government. Reports surfaced this weekend confirming DOGE’s dissolution, bringing an end to the cost-cutting efforts initiated by Musk and his team.

Formation and Initial Goals

DOGE was established through an executive order signed by President Trump in January. The initiative was initially projected to operate for nearly two years, focusing on reducing perceived fraud and waste and streamlining the federal workforce.

Many members of the DOGE team were recruited from Musk’s various private companies, bringing a unique perspective to the task of governmental reform.

Current Status and Personnel

As of early November, Scott Kupor, director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, stated that DOGE “doesn’t exist” in its original form.

Kupor indicated that while centralized leadership may no longer be present under the U.S. Digital Service, the core principles of DOGE – including de-regulation, eliminating abuse, reshaping the workforce, and prioritizing efficiency – continue to be relevant.

Amy Gleason, who served as the acting administrator of DOGE, responded to Kupor’s comments with a Doge meme on LinkedIn, signaling her continued involvement.

Controversies and Criticisms

During its active period, DOGE asserted that it had generated billions of dollars in savings for the federal government. However, the team faced significant criticism from lawmakers and other observers.

Critics argued that DOGE dismantled vital federal programs and departments without demonstrating substantial, quantifiable savings to justify the changes.

Furthermore, the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) following DOGE’s actions was linked to numerous deaths globally, as USAID provided crucial humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

Security Concerns and Departures

DOGE’s access to federal databases containing sensitive personal information raised serious security concerns. Accusations of security lapses suggested that this data was potentially vulnerable to malicious actors.

Elon Musk’s departure from DOGE earlier this year followed a public disagreement with President Trump.

Following Musk’s exit, some DOGE staffers expressed fears of potential federal charges, believing Musk could have secured presidential pardons if necessary.

Current Employment of Former Staff

According to reports, several former DOGE staffers have transitioned to other positions within the U.S. federal government.

Others have indicated they are no longer employed by the government. Edward Coristine, known by the nickname “Big Balls,” announced his departure from DOGE on X (formerly Twitter) in June.

The disbandment of DOGE marks the end of a highly debated and controversial chapter in federal government reform efforts.