How DOGE is Remaking the US Government w/ Makena Kelly
Feb 20, 2025
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Makena Kelly, a senior writer at WIRED and author of the Politics Lab newsletter, discusses the radical changes that DOGE is bringing to U.S. governance. She delves into how this initiative is reshaping roles in government IT and influencing crucial departments like Social Security. The conversation touches on the challenges of integrating inexperienced personnel into vital systems and the ongoing struggle between modern technology and outdated legacy systems. Kelly also highlights the tensions between innovation, regulatory oversight, and transparency in government operations.
The establishment of DOGE under Elon Musk represents a significant shift in U.S. government agencies, raising concerns about service reliability.
The influx of inexperienced personnel from Musk's companies could jeopardize operational integrity by mishandling essential government functions and data.
The growing influence of Silicon Valley in government reflects a technology-first agenda, threatening transparency and regulatory oversight in public welfare functions.
Deep dives
The Impact of DOGE on Government Services
The establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk has led to significant changes in the operations of various U.S. government agencies. Initially anticipated to function as an advisory group, DOGE has rapidly taken control of the U.S. Digital Service, giving it substantial executive authority to streamline government processes. This shift raises concerns about the efficiency and reliability of critical services like Social Security and Medicare, as the changes implemented could create detrimental effects if systems fail. The podcast emphasizes the gravity of these transformations, highlighting that disruptions in these essential services will have real-world consequences for people's lives.
Concerns About Inexperienced Leadership
The influx of workers from Musk-affiliated companies into key government roles has caused alarm regarding their level of experience and understanding of complex government systems. Many of the new appointees, dubbed 'Doge kids,' possess technical skills but lack the institutional knowledge necessary to manage historical governmental frameworks, such as COBOL-based systems. This mismatch in expertise raises the risk of mishandling sensitive data and critical functions, potentially resulting in catastrophic failures in service delivery. The hosts discuss how the reliance on inexperienced personnel could significantly compromise operational integrity within various governmental departments.
The Expanding Reach of Silicon Valley within Government
Silicon Valley's growing influence within the U.S. government is manifesting through the appointment of Musk's associates and executives across multiple federal agencies, including the General Services Administration and the Office of Personnel Management. This trend indicates a broader agenda to restructure government functions with a technology-first approach, often sidelining traditional practices and expertise. The discussion stresses that such infiltration allows these technologists to access sensitive information, compounding fears regarding data security and misuse. As a result, there is a palpable concern about the implications of this 'computer coup' on transparency and governmental accountability.
Potential Dismantling of Critical Agencies
Recent developments suggest that agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and USAID are facing serious cuts under the DOGE initiative. Musk's approach includes reviewing spending allocations in these agencies, which has led to significant layoffs and the potential dismantling of functions critical for public welfare. The podcast draws attention to how cuts are not merely financial decisions but politically motivated actions aimed at reducing regulatory oversight over powerful industries. This strategy poses a threat not only to the continuity of services but also to the financial protections available to consumers.
The Challenges of Modernization and AI Adoption
The podcast highlights the ongoing discussion regarding the modernization of government services and the integration of AI technologies to improve efficiency. However, there is skepticism about the feasibility and readiness of implementing AI in environments steeped in complex, outdated systems. Critics argue that the problems plaguing government services often stem from management and communication failures rather than a lack of cutting-edge technology. There is a growing worry that the rush to automate tasks with AI, while sidelining essential personnel, may ultimately exacerbate existing issues rather than resolve them.
Paris Marx is joined by Makena Kelly to discuss how Elon Musk’s DOGE is reshaping the US government and the consequences that has for government employees and the wider public.
Makena Kelly is a senior writer at WIRED and writes the weekly Politics Lab newsletter.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham.
