Sahil Lavingia, a tech founder hired by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to modernize VA systems, was unexpectedly dismissed after 55 days. His termination followed a blog interview where he praised the agency’s efficiency, contradicting common perceptions of government waste. Lavingia’s observations focused on opportunities for modernization rather than widespread fraud or abuse. This dismissal, despite DOGE’s stated commitment to transparency under Elon Musk’s leadership, highlights a perceived conflict between the agency’s public image and its internal actions.
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A New York Times report alleges that Elon Musk, during his involvement in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, intensively used ketamine, ecstasy, Adderall, and psychedelic mushrooms. This alleged drug use coincided with erratic behavior, including clashes with administration officials and a fixation on having more children. Musk’s subsequent appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his subsequent actions have been met with public scrutiny and numerous lawsuits. Despite these allegations, the White House continues to support DOGE’s mission and its ongoing work within the federal government.
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Judge Beryl Howell ruled the Trump administration’s takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) unlawful, declaring actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) null and void. The judge’s decision reinstated USIP President George Moose and prohibited further actions against the institute’s property. Howell cited the administration’s failure to consult Congress and its forceful takeover, involving law enforcement, as violations of the USIP’s unique structure as an independent think tank. The White House, however, disagreed with the ruling, asserting the president’s right to reduce government entities.
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Elon Musk’s role within the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is shifting. While he will officially leave his post in May, he will maintain a reduced, primarily remote, involvement, dedicating a few days a week to the department. His staff will remain in place, continuing their work despite criticism of DOGE’s performance. This transition allows Musk to refocus on his business ventures, aligning with his previously stated intentions.
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Greg Pearre, a Social Security Administration IT executive, was forcibly removed from his office for opposing a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) plan to falsely mark thousands of immigrants as deceased in the agency’s database. This action, orchestrated by DOGE and supported by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, aimed to deny immigrants access to crucial financial services and incentivize self-deportation. The scheme has devastating consequences for those wrongly flagged, causing immediate financial paralysis and significant bureaucratic hurdles to correct. Despite internal concerns regarding the legality of the plan, Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek ultimately approved the changes under pressure from the White House.
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March 2025 witnessed a near-record high in announced layoffs, driven primarily by the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) federal job cuts, exceeding all months except April and May 2020. The 275,240 total reductions included 216,215 federal furloughs, a 672% year-over-year increase. While other employment metrics remain relatively stable, the Washington D.C. area experienced a substantial impact, with 278,711 announced layoffs year-to-date. Agencies like the Veterans Affairs, IRS, and Treasury are projected to experience significant further job losses.
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The Intercept filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, utilizing the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), to compel the release of records from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The suit stems from DOGE’s refusal to comply with multiple FOIA requests seeking information on its operations, structure, and communications, including those involving Elon Musk. This action follows similar lawsuits filed by government watchdog groups, with judges already ruling that DOGE likely qualifies as a federal agency subject to FOIA. The Intercept’s lawsuit specifically targets emails from Musk and DOGE’s administrator, as well as records detailing staffing and interagency agreements.
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Judge Theodore Chuang ruled Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) dismantling of USAID was likely unconstitutional, violating the separation of powers by contravening congressional authority. The order prevents further terminations, record destruction, and unauthorized actions regarding USAID, mandating the restoration of employee access to systems and potential headquarters reoccupation. While some plaintiff requests were denied due to USAID’s apparent complicity, the judge found DOGE’s actions harmed the public interest by undermining Congress’s authority. Musk responded by sharing a critical post, suggesting the ruling was politically motivated.
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The article argues that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by Elon Musk, embodies the conservative “deep state” bogeyman. DOGE’s secretive nature, unelected leadership, and connections to Musk’s various companies demonstrate a powerful, unchecked influence on government functions. The agency’s actions, such as freezing the CFPB and canceling humanitarian aid contracts, directly contradict Congressional will. This demonstrates a concentration of power outside of any established legislative framework, effectively fulfilling Musk’s own definition of an unconstitutional fourth branch of government.
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Senator Bernie Sanders urged a Senate committee investigation into the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its de facto head, Elon Musk, citing Musk’s sweeping actions within the federal government. These actions include widespread firings across multiple agencies, disregard for judicial orders, and the release of sensitive data. Sanders contends that Musk, with President Trump’s support, has effectively dismantled aspects of the U.S. government, necessitating an inquiry to determine the extent of his influence and actions. While President Trump subsequently clarified that Cabinet secretaries, not Musk, have ultimate authority, DOGE’s actions have already resulted in significant disruptions and numerous errors.
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John Q. Hosedrinker