Uncanny Valley | WIRED WIRED News Update: Keeping Tabs on DOGE
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Feb 12, 2025 Leah Feiger, Senior Politics Editor at Wired, dives into the chaotic world of Dogecoin and its influence on government efficiency. She and Katie Drummond explore how inexperienced engineers have landed key positions amid this turmoil. They discuss the impact of Elon Musk's appointments and the potential legal ramifications for Doge, while reflecting on Trump’s controversial backing. The conversation unveils the complexities of political coverage in today's landscape, emphasizing the accountability in government roles as public scrutiny intensifies.
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DOGE's Swift Cuts
- DOGE orchestrated rapid workforce cuts at the CFPB, notifying employees with impersonal emails.
- This mirrors Elon Musk's slash-and-burn tactics observed at companies like Twitter.
Concerning Appointments
- Former Palantir and Musk associates are filling key government IT roles (CIOs).
- This raises concerns about potential access to sensitive information and systems within federal agencies.
DOGE's Co-opting of USDS
- Initially presented as an external consultancy, DOGE has effectively co-opted an existing agency (USDS).
- This grants them more power and access than initially intended, sidelining existing employees.