DOGE Is Gutting the US Digital Service w/ Kate Green and Milo | Tech Won't Save Us
Mar 27, 2025
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Kate Green, a former U.S. Digital Service engineer, joins Milo to critically examine how Elon Musk’s DOGE is shaping the U.S. Digital Service, turning it into the U.S. Doge Service. They discuss the implications this has for government service delivery and the importance of prioritizing public good over profit. The conversation highlights technological innovations like the IRS DirectFile and the challenges of ensuring user accessibility. They also address urgent data privacy concerns and the need for government accountability in handling sensitive information.
The U.S. Digital Service was originally established to improve government technology, but recent leadership changes threaten its foundational mission and efficacy.
Former engineers express concern that the new leadership’s disregard for their expertise jeopardizes essential public service projects and staff stability.
The shift towards operational efficiency under the new administration raises critical issues regarding data privacy and the stewardship of citizen information.
Deep dives
Transformation of the U.S. Digital Service
The U.S. Digital Service (USDS) was originally established to address technology crises in government, such as the issues with healthcare.gov, by bringing in expertise from the tech sector. Over time, its mission evolved to empower government agencies to develop their own digital capabilities, thereby fostering a self-sufficient environment for technology projects. Former engineers discussed their involvement in significant projects, like designing a system to help veterans access benefits more efficiently, emphasizing the shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive solutions. The transition of USDS into what is now referred to as the Department of Government Efficiency signals a stark change in orientation, with the new leadership undermining the very principles that guided the agency's mission.
Challenges Induced by New Leadership
The takeover by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has raised concerns among former USDS engineers, who fear that the new administration does not acknowledge the intricate challenges of technology governance. The lack of respect shown towards the expertise present in USDS is evident in the combative nature of interviews carried out by new personnel, which resulted in significant layoffs and resignations among staff. With the drastic reduction of personnel, continuity in public service efforts has been jeopardized, raising questions about the future of achievable technology innovations meant to assist American citizens. Significant projects that had the potential to improve the efficiency of services, such as the organ procurement network and benefits applications, have been sidelined or dismantled due to leadership changes and a misunderstanding of governmental functions.
The Value of a Public-Service Orientation
The conversation highlights the crucial difference between technology development in the public sector and the private sector, where the focus shifts from profit maximization to serving the needs of the community. For instance, USDS engineers work to meet complex human needs and ensure technology is user-friendly for various demographics, including vulnerable populations like refugees. This emphasis on understanding the holistic aspects of a problem results in tailored solutions that prioritize accessibility, ensuring that services are not only effective but also efficient. By placing community needs at the forefront of technology design, the USDS aims to create public solutions that address real-world challenges rather than merely adhering to corporate algorithms.
Implications for Data Privacy and Security
The discussions surrounding the USDS's initiatives indicate a pressing concern about data privacy and security under the new leadership. The former engineers express dismay over a potential negligence towards the stewardship of sensitive personal information that government agencies collect. The shift towards a less rigorous approach to data management threatens to undermine the trust that citizens place in their government for safeguarding personal information. This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism about the motivations behind new leadership, which seems to prioritize operational efficiency over crucial protections of citizen data.
Empowerment through We The Builders
We The Builders is an initiative that aims to demystify the workings of federal government agencies and highlight the contributions of public sector workers in technology. The project is designed to inform community members and the media about the crucial efforts undertaken to improve government services, showcasing the human element behind technology development. Through narratives shared by engineers and volunteers, the initiative seeks to bolster public understanding and support for the ongoing work of agencies like the USDS. By fostering collaboration and providing insight into governmental processes, We The Builders exemplifies a commitment to transparency and civic engagement in an increasingly complex technological landscape.
On this episode of Tech Won't Save Us, Paris Marx is joined by Kate Green and Milo to discuss how Elon Musk’s DOGE is dismantling the US Digital Service and the consequences that has on really improving service delivery in government.
Kate Green and Milo are former US Digital Service engineers.
