A major shake-up has hit Elon Musk’s government-backed tech unit, DOGE, as dozens of employees resigned in protest, citing concerns over the dismantling of public services.
In a scathing resignation letter first reported by the Associated Press, 21 former DOGE staff members—many originally from the U.S. Digital Service (USDS)—announced their refusal to “dismantle critical public services” under Musk’s leadership.
DOGE’s Workforce Exodus
The USDS, a small federal agency of about 100 employees, was restructured into DOGE following Musk’s takeover. Since then, the department has undergone drastic changes, including the termination of 40 employees.
Over the past month, DOGE has conducted aggressive audits of multiple federal agencies, demanding access to sensitive data, assessing employee performance, and requiring staff to submit email logs detailing their weekly work output.
In their letter, the former employees accused DOGE interviewers of unethical tactics, such as refusing to identify themselves, questioning political loyalties, and displaying “limited technical ability.”
“This process created significant security risks,” the letter warned.
DOGE’s Response
DOGE spokesperson Katie Miller downplayed the resignations, posting on X that the departing employees were “fully remote workers who hung Trans flags from their workplaces.”
Many of the ex-staffers, previously employed in big tech, expressed frustration over DOGE’s sweeping federal review, which Musk’s team claims has already saved taxpayers an estimated $65 billion.
These cost-cutting measures have included canceling contracts related to foreign aid, diversity and inclusion programs, and recently hired federal employees.
Concerns Over Public Services
The resigning employees argued that their work was crucial to modernizing essential government services, including Social Security, veterans’ benefits, tax filings, disaster relief, and student aid.
“Their removal endangers millions of Americans who rely on these services every day,” the letter stated. “The sudden loss of their technology expertise makes critical systems and Americans’ data less safe.”
Federal Agencies Push Back
DOGE’s actions have triggered resistance from other federal agencies. A controversial email—sent under the subject line “HR” but actually from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)—asked federal employees, “What did you do last week?”
The vague request prompted high-level pushback. FBI Director Kash Patel instructed his staff to disregard the email, while Pentagon officials, under Pete Hegseth, issued a similar directive.
Musk, however, responded with a firm warning on X, stating that employees who ignore a second email request will be terminated—”subject to the discretion of the President.”
A Defiant Stand
According to AP, nearly one-third of DOGE employees who remained from the original USDS quit in protest on Tuesday.
“We will not use our skills as technologists to compromise core government systems, jeopardize Americans’ sensitive data, or dismantle critical public services,” their letter read.
“We will not lend our expertise to carry out or legitimize DOGE’s actions.”
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