The Last 30 Days at the Department of Government Efficiency
Over the past month, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has continued stirring controversy, legal battles, and headlines, under Acting Administrator Amy Gleason. Here's a look at the latest in this high-profile efficiency initiative that reads more like political theater than a typical government agency.
1. Legal Victory: Access to Sensitive Data Granted
A U.S. appeals court recently ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s DOGE, overturning a lower court’s injunction that had barred DOGE from accessing sensitive federal data. The ruling now permits DOGE to retrieve information from agencies including Education, Treasury, and the Office of Personnel Management—even data like Social Security numbers and citizenship records—despite ongoing privacy and legal concerns.
2. AI-Driven Regulatory Cuts Spark Ethical Debate
Insiders report that DOGE—once helmed by Musk—is now using artificial intelligence to identify regulations for removal. The so-called “Doge AI Deregulation Decision Tool” is analyzing around 200,000 rules to recommend slashing up to 50% of them by the end of DOGE’s first year. The accelerating pace of deregulation has triggered legal and ethical discussions around automating policy decisions.
3. Violence Against ‘Big Balls’—A Hero Under Fire
In Washington, D.C., former DOGE software engineer Edward Coristine—nicknamed “Big Balls”—was severely injured while defending a companion from a juvenile carjacking. The incident drew national attention, with praise from both Musk and Trump for Coristine’s bravery. The accused teens have been ordered to remain in juvenile custody amid rising concerns about urban crime and public safety.
4. Policy Repeals and Internal Reversals
One of Musk’s initiatives at DOGE required
federal workers to send weekly “5 things” emails detailing their
accomplishments—often compared to corporate task metrics. The program, widely
derided for being overly controlling, has now been officially terminated by the
Office of Personnel Management.
A Snapshot of DOGE’s Year So Far
Origins & Purpose
DOGE was established in January 2025 by executive order, transforming the U.S. Digital Service into the U.S. DOGE Service. Its mission: modernize federal IT, slash spending and regulations, and boost efficiency. The initiative is set to dissolve by July 4, 2026.
Elon Musk’s Role
Musk served as a "Special Government Employee" and senior adviser. Though Trump often portrayed him as leading DOGE, legal filings clarify that Musk held no formal authority to make decisions. He officially stepped back from the role in May, citing frustrations with bureaucratic hurdles, though he remains informally supportive.
Claims vs. Reality
DOGE initially claimed up to $160 billion in savings within its first 100 days, with goals set as high as $1 trillion. Independent audits—by Politifact, the Wall Street Journal, and others—identified inflated accounting, double-counted contracts, and contested savings. The actual verifiable value of cuts remains significantly lower.
Public Backlash & Lawsuits
The initiative has faced sustained legal and public opposition. Allegations range from unconstitutional overreach, privacy violations, to improperly laid off federal workers. Courts have begun blocking some of DOGE’s more aggressive actions.
What This Means Going Forward
Dogecoin meme, real impact: What started as a symbolic “meme-inspired” efficiency crusade has driven major policy changes—and national scrutiny.
AI-powered governance raises alarm: Automating regulation cuts via AI may offer speed, but not without ethical and legal fallout.
Legacy uncertain: With Musk stepping down and public trust faltering, DOGE’s lasting influence will likely be more cautionary than celebratory.