The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory commission led by billionaire Elon Musk, is advocating for significant cuts to federal agencies and could soon gain more official status if a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump passes legal review.
On Monday evening, President Trump signed an executive order that renames the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), which was established by former President Barack Obama in 2014 to improve the government’s approach to technology, as the U.S. DOGE Service (USDS). The two entities will share identical acronyms.
According to Trump, the USDS will be staffed with approximately 20 employees. Although it shares the name with a federal agency, the USDS is not a federal executive department, which would require congressional approval to create.
The executive order directs U.S. agency leaders to consult with the USDS to form “DOGE Teams” within their agencies. Each team will consist of at least four members, including a DOGE Team lead, engineer, HR specialist, and attorney. These teams will work alongside the USDS and their respective agencies to implement Trump’s DOGE plan.
Among other provisions, the order outlines a “software modernization” initiative to enhance government network infrastructure and IT systems, and grants the USDS access to unclassified agency records and IT systems, in accordance with the law.
Additionally, the executive order establishes the U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization, tasked with advancing President Trump’s 18-month DOGE agenda. This temporary organization will cease operations by July 4, 2026.
President Trump has previously stated that the DOGE initiative must be completed by July 4, 2026, ahead of the Ohio gubernatorial election in November 2026.
Legal Challenges and Proposals Surrounding the DOGE Initiative
The fate of the executive order remains uncertain as it faces potential legal challenges. Three lawsuits have already been filed in federal court, arguing that the Musk-led DOGE violates the transparency mandates of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). FACA, passed in 1972, requires federal advisory committees to conduct public meetings and ensure a balance of perspectives.
Leadership Changes in DOGE
President Trump announced the formation of DOGE late last year, with plans for it to be co-led by Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. However, Ramaswamy departed from the initiative after reportedly clashing with Musk and is expected to announce a run for Ohio governor next week.
Budget Cuts and Agency Reorganization Proposals
Musk has suggested that DOGE could cut the U.S. federal budget by up to $2 trillion by eliminating waste, closing redundant agencies, and downsizing the federal workforce. However, he has since revised this ambitious goal, with many experts questioning its feasibility.
Plans to Restructure Financial Agencies
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Trump administration and DOGE officials have discussed proposals to dismantle the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and merge it with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Reserve. Additionally, Musk has proposed eliminating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws and guiding financial institutions.
aOur Thoughts on the DOGE Initiative
The DOGE initiative, led by Elon Musk and supported by President Trump’s executive order, has sparked a significant amount of controversy and debate. On one hand, the concept of reducing government inefficiencies and streamlining federal agencies could result in meaningful cost savings and improved performance. However, the ambitious goals set by Musk and Trump, particularly the claim of reducing the U.S. federal budget by $2 trillion, appear unrealistic given the complexities involved in such large-scale government restructuring.
Legal and Practical Challenges Ahead
The legal challenges regarding the transparency of the DOGE advisory board under FACA raise important concerns. If the initiative is not conducted in full compliance with federal regulations, it could undermine its effectiveness and public trust. The departure of Vivek Ramaswamy also raises questions about internal dynamics and the viability of a leadership team already under scrutiny.
Conclusion
While the DOGE initiative may introduce some much-needed innovation in government operations, its sweeping proposals and lack of clear, achievable goals could hinder its long-term success. With several lawsuits underway and internal leadership changes, the future of DOGE remains uncertain. The ideas may hold merit, but their execution will likely be the defining factor in determining whether the initiative is a genuine force for positive change or just another high-profile but ultimately unattainable vision.
