The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an Elon Musk-backed initiative created to make the federal government run more efficiently, has been shut down earlier than expected, federal officials confirmed.
What Was DOGE?
DOGE, or the Department of Government Efficiency, was launched by President Donald Trump on the first day of his second term. The goal of the agency was to cut down on government waste, reduce workforce size, and modernize technology systems.
Elon Musk, who initially led DOGE, often described it as a “chainsaw for bureaucracy,” promising huge savings and faster, smarter government operations.
Why Was DOGE Shut Down?
Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor confirmed the shutdown in an interview with Reuters, saying, “That doesn’t exist,” referring to DOGE as no longer a centralized entity. The agency’s claims of saving tens of billions of dollars were never verified, and it faced criticism for its lack of transparency and public accountability.
Tensions rose after Musk split from Trump in May 2025. Staff left the agency, and legal concerns arose over DOGE’s access to sensitive government data.
Impact of DOGE’s Closure
Despite its shutdown, the White House said it remains committed to reducing waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. Many of DOGE’s responsibilities have now been absorbed by the Office of Personnel Management, and a government hiring freeze linked to the initiative has been lifted.
Former DOGE staff members have moved into important roles across federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Naval Research, and State Department. Joe Gebbia, Airbnb co-founder and key DOGE official, now leads a National Design Studio focused on improving federal websites.
Public Reaction
DOGE faced protests and legal challenges during its operation. Demonstrations took place in places like Florida and the Bay Area, where critics opposed Musk’s approach to cutting jobs and restructuring agencies.
Conclusion
The early closure of DOGE marks the end of a high-profile but controversial experiment in government efficiency. While Elon Musk’s vision for a leaner, tech-driven federal government has ended, the administration continues to pursue its goals of reducing waste and improving operations through other channels.
