POLITICO Tech
Why DOGE led one government tech official to quit
Mar 3, 2025
Anne Marshall, former director of engineering and data science at the U.S. Digital Service, discusses her recent resignation sparked by disagreements over staffing cuts and the direction taken by the Department of Government Efficiency. She shares her views on how Dogecoin reflects broader challenges in tech within government. Marshall emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary teams in addressing systemic issues and advocates for integrating tech experts to reform and enhance government operations and services.
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Quick takeaways
- Anne Marshall's resignation from the US Digital Service was driven by concerns over staffing cuts that compromised the organization’s mission to improve American lives.
- The shift in leadership has created challenges for USDS, sparking the rise of civic tech startups focused on delivering impactful government services amidst procurement reform needs.
Deep dives
Resignation Motivated by Mission Integrity
The recent resignation of a prominent figure from the U.S. Digital Service (USDS) was driven by concerns regarding the organization's capacity to serve its mission. Initially drawn to USDS by the potential for significant societal impact, the individual felt that recent leadership decisions compromised the agency's ability to improve the lives of Americans. The firing of key personnel, particularly in areas critical to effective project management such as design and procurement, disrupted the multidisciplinary approach that USDS relied upon. This shift not only threatened the organization's efficacy but also its foundational commitment to delivering essential services like Medicare to millions.
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