DOGE Days Numbered? Musk Allies Exit Government Efficiency Initiative
WASHINGTON – May 16, 2024 – Reports of key figures exiting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) paint a picture of uncertainty for the initiative. The departures of individuals including Elon Musk, along with his close associates, has sparked concerns around leadership continuity and the long-term goals of the government streamlining project. This shift comes as Sahil Lavingia, a former staffer, described the DOGE operations as disorganized.Read on for expert analysis.
DOGE Days Numbered? Musk Allies Exit Government Efficiency Initiative
The future of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative aimed at streamlining government operations, appears uncertain as key figures, including Elon Musk adn close associates, reportedly prepare to step down. With these potential departures looming, questions arise about the leadership vacuum and the direction the institution will take.
A Staffer’s Perspective
Sahil Lavingia, CEO of Gumroad and a former DOGE staffer at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), recently shared his experiences in a blog post detailing his 55-day tenure. Lavingia described the DOGE operations as disorganized,
noting a lack of information sharing among teams.
Leadership Exodus
Elon Musk has indicated his intention to reduce his involvement with DOGE. Adding to the uncertainty, Steve Davis and Nicole Hollander, two of Musk’s closest lieutenants, are also reportedly leaving.Davis, a long-time associate of Musk’s with experience at X and The Boring Company, has been described as integral to DOGE’s day-to-day operations.
Steven was the only person who was across everything.
Sahil lavingia, Former DOGE Staffer
Interaction Concerns
Lavingia told WIRED that Davis appeared to be the person directing most of the DOGE activities at different agencies, and was in direct contact with all the DOGE members at various points. Generally, in Lavingia’s experience, that correspondence happened using the encrypted messaging app Signal.
The use of Signal for official government communications has raised concerns. Experts and lawmakers have previously warned that such practices could violate laws requiring government employees to maintain records of all communications. Earlier this year, then national security adviser Mike Waltz accidentally added the editor of The Atlantic to a Signal group chat where Waltz and other senior officials in the Trump administration discussed imminent and sensitive military actions in Yemen.
Inside the VA
At the VA, Davis reportedly instructed the DOGE team to prioritize reviewing contracts for cancellation. Lavingia noted that Davis would periodically check in on his progress but rarely responded to Lavingia’s replies.
The “E Meeting”
Lavingia recounted attending an “E meeting” in late March with Musk and other DOGE members. He observed that many attendees seemed primarily focused on executing tasks assigned by Davis. Anthony Armstrong and Baris Akis, also described as Musk loyalists, were present at the meeting. Lavingia identified Armstrong, Akis, and Davis as the apparent leaders.
Steven is basically like a chief of staff or body man when Elon was there.
Sahil Lavingia, Former DOGE Staffer
