Doge Is Putting Major Government Efficiency Projects at Risk

Since Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency took over important government technology teams within the General Services Administration (GSA) and what was formally known as the United States Digital Service (USDS), around 200 technologists have either resigned or been fired, jeopardizing about a decade’s worth of work dedicated to everything from public health to passport applications. The culling of the GSA’s 18F division, in particular, a specialized digital services agency tasked with improving user experience with government services and helping agencies build and buy a variety of technologies, has crippled programs that silently but effectively prepared Americans for weather disasters or streamlined annoying errands, like renewing a passport or filing taxes. Over the weekend, around 90 technologists at 18F were fired via a surprise email that went out shortly before 1 am ET on Saturday. “It’s clear that what’s been lost is much bigger than a handful of individ ... Read full article.