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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
The Intercept has published Elon Musk’s White House email address, erm71@who.eop.gov, to facilitate Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests investigating his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). DOGE’s secretive slashing of federal agency budgets and staff has prompted numerous FOIA requests from The Intercept and watchdog groups, facing resistance from the government which claims DOGE is exempt from FOIA. Legal challenges argue that DOGE’s extensive powers contradict claims it’s merely an advisory body, highlighting inconsistencies between DOGE’s actions and the government’s statements. These lawsuits seek to compel DOGE’s compliance with FOIA and clarify Musk’s actual role within the organization.
Read More
In response to criticism, Musk asserted that departmental cuts were independently planned, with DOGE merely assuming productive employees would be retained. This echoes previous claims that DOGE only recommends cuts, leaving implementation to agency heads. While Musk privately admitted to errors, these errors resulted in job losses, highlighting the significant human cost of his decisions. The consequences for agencies failing to comply with DOGE directives remain unclear.
Read More
A WIRED investigation contradicts Elon Musk’s assertion that Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employees receive zero compensation, revealing that several key figures earn six-figure salaries via the General Services Administration (GSA). These salaries, ranging from $120,500 to $195,200 annually, include those working on projects like dismantling USAID and restructuring the GSA. This contrasts sharply with DOGE’s initial recruitment claims and its now $40 million budget. The situation raises concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest given Musk’s substantial personal wealth and his companies’ history of receiving significant government funding.
Read More
President Trump’s public acknowledgment of Elon Musk as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) directly contradicts the administration’s previous legal claims. The administration had previously asserted that Musk held no authority within DOGE, instead naming Amy Gleason as its leader. This contradiction, highlighted by plaintiffs in ongoing lawsuits, significantly weakens the government’s defense against allegations of DOGE’s unlawful actions. Trump’s statement provides compelling new evidence supporting the plaintiffs’ assertion that Musk is the de facto head of DOGE.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker