The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative intended to streamline federal operations and reduce bureaucracy, has been disbanded with eight months remaining in its mandate, Reuters reports. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) now oversees many of DOGE’s functions, according to OPM Director Scott Kupor.
DOGE’s Short-Lived Tenure
DOGE was created in January to aggressively shrink federal agencies, cut budgets, and redirect government priorities. It drew widespread attention early in Trump’s second term, with former SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk leading initial efforts and using high-profile stunts to publicise the unit’s mission. Musk described DOGE as a “chainsaw for bureaucracy” during a public event.
Despite claims of cutting tens of billions of dollars, DOGE did not release detailed accounting of its work, making independent verification impossible. While the administration has said the initiative contributed to waste reduction, external analysts have questioned its measurable impact.
Staff Transition to New Roles
Many DOGE employees have moved to other positions within the administration. Notably, Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, now leads the National Design Studio, tasked with improving the visual presentation of government websites. Projects include recruitment platforms for law enforcement and drug pricing initiatives. Other former DOGE staff hold key technology and oversight roles across agencies, including Health and Human Services, the State Department, and the Office of Naval Research.
End of Key Policies
Alongside the unit’s closure, DOGE’s hallmark hiring freeze has concluded. Previously, federal agencies were restricted in new hires, with DOGE approval required for most exceptions. Kupor confirmed that the government is no longer enforcing specific reduction targets.
Although DOGE is officially disbanded, the Trump administration continues to pursue regulatory streamlining, leveraging AI tools to review and recommend cuts to federal regulations. Former DOGE representatives remain involved in these AI-driven initiatives, reflecting the unit’s lasting influence on federal operations.
Broader Context
The early closure of DOGE contrasts with the administration’s initial fanfare, which included public endorsements from Trump, cabinet secretaries, and Musk. The unit’s short life illustrates the challenges of implementing sweeping efficiency reforms at the federal level, particularly when accountability and reporting standards are limited.
Former DOGE staff and leadership now continue their work under new structures, including the National Design Studio and AI regulatory review teams, signaling that while DOGE as an entity has ended, its objectives persist in other forms.
