Protect your data: Why 21 US DOGE service insiders just quit—and why it matters to you
- Replies 0
Recently, 21 civil service employees stepped away from their roles at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Their departure has sparked discussions about government modernization, efficiency, and the protection of sensitive information.
While some view these resignations as part of routine agency changes, others see them as a pivotal moment for those who rely on secure and well-managed government systems.
The employees, who originally joined when the agency was known as the United States Digital Service (USDS), outlined their concerns in a joint resignation letter.
In it, they emphasized their commitment to serving the American people and upholding the Constitution across different administrations.
However, they stated that recent changes within DOGE made it impossible for them to fulfill those commitments.
They also expressed concerns about policies they believed could “compromise core government systems, jeopardize Americans’ sensitive data, or dismantle critical public services.”
The letter, addressed to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, was posted on WetheBuilders.org, a website created by federal employees who have voiced concerns about DOGE’s direction.
While the signatories remained anonymous, they listed roles such as "Engineer," "Product Manager," and "Designer," highlighting that experienced professionals in digital infrastructure were among those resigning.
DOGE was established with the goal of improving government efficiency and modernizing federal technology.
Supporters argue that these reforms are necessary to streamline operations, while critics worry about the speed and approach of these changes.
The resignation letter pointed to internal decisions that raised concerns, including shifts in hiring practices and operational policies.
The Associated Press first reported on the resignations.
In response, Musk dismissed the article as "more fake news" in a post on X, while also appearing to acknowledge the departures.
Some former employees worry these changes could impact the management of government technology, while agency supporters maintain that the adjustments are necessary to eliminate inefficiencies.
The resignations sparked a conversation on government technology and efficiency—some see modernization, others fear disruption.
In response, principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields reiterated the administration’s commitment to improving efficiency while ensuring government systems remain functional and secure.
Some Republican lawmakers and Trump allies have also weighed in, advocating for a more measured approach.
Despite these concerns, Trump’s joint fundraising committee has reinforced its support for Musk’s approach, sending an email highlighting Trump’s push for more aggressive action.
The message also included a poll asking supporters whether federal employees who fail to respond to internal requests should be dismissed.
For many Americans, the key question is how these developments might affect the security of their personal information.
Government agencies store vast amounts of sensitive data—from Social Security records to healthcare and tax information—making data protection a shared priority among policymakers, technology professionals, and the public.
Read next: Supreme Court to decide if ADA protections extend to retirees–What it means for you
Do you have thoughts on how government agencies handle data security? Have you noticed any changes in public services? Share your perspective in the comments below.
Their departure has sparked discussions about government modernization, efficiency, and the protection of sensitive information.
While some view these resignations as part of routine agency changes, others see them as a pivotal moment for those who rely on secure and well-managed government systems.
In it, they emphasized their commitment to serving the American people and upholding the Constitution across different administrations.
However, they stated that recent changes within DOGE made it impossible for them to fulfill those commitments.
Elon Musk's leadership at DOGE sparks debate as 21 employees resign, raising questions about government efficiency and data security. Image Source: YouTube / ABC News.
The letter, addressed to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, was posted on WetheBuilders.org, a website created by federal employees who have voiced concerns about DOGE’s direction.
While the signatories remained anonymous, they listed roles such as "Engineer," "Product Manager," and "Designer," highlighting that experienced professionals in digital infrastructure were among those resigning.
Also read: Could DOGE play a role in your wallet? What this means for Americans’ savings
DOGE’s Approach: A Shift in Strategy
DOGE was established with the goal of improving government efficiency and modernizing federal technology.
Supporters argue that these reforms are necessary to streamline operations, while critics worry about the speed and approach of these changes.
The resignation letter pointed to internal decisions that raised concerns, including shifts in hiring practices and operational policies.
The Associated Press first reported on the resignations.
In response, Musk dismissed the article as "more fake news" in a post on X, while also appearing to acknowledge the departures.
Some former employees worry these changes could impact the management of government technology, while agency supporters maintain that the adjustments are necessary to eliminate inefficiencies.
Also read: States challenge Trump’s appointment of Elon Musk—implications for DOGE
The Broader Discussion: Balancing Efficiency and Security
The resignations sparked a conversation on government technology and efficiency—some see modernization, others fear disruption.
In response, principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields reiterated the administration’s commitment to improving efficiency while ensuring government systems remain functional and secure.
Also read: Elon Musk takes aim at government spending: What it means for Medicare and Medicaid benefits
Some Republican lawmakers and Trump allies have also weighed in, advocating for a more measured approach.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the need for efficiency but stressed that workforce reductions should be handled with respect.
- Rep. Rich McCormick called for a more deliberate transition that allows affected employees time to adjust.
- Rep. Nicole Malliotakis described some of DOGE’s actions as too abrupt, stating that reforms should be applied with precision rather than sweeping changes.
Despite these concerns, Trump’s joint fundraising committee has reinforced its support for Musk’s approach, sending an email highlighting Trump’s push for more aggressive action.
The message also included a poll asking supporters whether federal employees who fail to respond to internal requests should be dismissed.
For many Americans, the key question is how these developments might affect the security of their personal information.
Government agencies store vast amounts of sensitive data—from Social Security records to healthcare and tax information—making data protection a shared priority among policymakers, technology professionals, and the public.
Read next: Supreme Court to decide if ADA protections extend to retirees–What it means for you
Do you have thoughts on how government agencies handle data security? Have you noticed any changes in public services? Share your perspective in the comments below.
