DOGE Is Gutting the US Digital Service w/ Kate Green and Milo
Mar 27, 2025
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Kate Green, a former U.S. Digital Service engineer, and Milo, also a former USDS engineer, delve into the disruptions caused by Elon Musk's DOGE on U.S. government tech initiatives. They discuss the mass resignations from USDS and the implications for service delivery in the public sector. Green highlights her contributions to critical projects like IRS DirectFile and emphasizes the need for technology that prioritizes user-centric solutions. The duo also sheds light on the We The Builders initiative, advocating for greater understanding and appreciation of federal workers.
The transition to the U.S. Doge Service under Elon Musk has disrupted the mission-driven work previously done by the US Digital Service.
Understanding user needs is essential for developing technology in public service, particularly for vulnerable populations requiring accessible systems.
Recent layoffs and a combative work culture following the takeover have severely impacted the morale and effectiveness of the remaining USDS employees.
Deep dives
Transformation of the U.S. Digital Service
The U.S. Digital Service (USDS) was originally established as a solution to significant technological failures within government, notably to address issues with healthcare.gov. Over time, its mission evolved from a firefighting role to a supportive one, aimed at helping various agencies develop their own digital solutions, thus fostering long-term technological capability within government. The changes brought by the transition to the U.S. Doge Service under Elon Musk introduced a more disruptive approach, with a focus on efficiency that threatens to overlook the nuanced, mission-driven work of the USDS. The guest speakers highlighted the importance of developing technology oriented towards public service, contrasting this with the profit-driven approach dominant in the private sector.
Importance of User-Centric Design in Government Technology
In the world of public service technology, understanding the needs of users is paramount, particularly when developing systems that serve vulnerable populations. The speakers shared examples of their work, such as systems that facilitated disaster recovery efforts and ensured accessibility for underserved communities, illustrating the need for thoughtful design. Unlike private companies, which often optimize for profit, public sector technology must prioritize accessibility and usability for all citizens. The meticulous approach taken by USDS engineers led to solutions like DirectFile which successfully streamlined tax filing for users, underscoring the potential for user-focused design to improve public services.
Impact of Leadership Changes on Agency Morale and Function
The takeover of the USDS by the U.S. Doge Service instigated a wave of layoffs, resignations, and a significant reduction in staff, drastically affecting morale among remaining employees. The approach adopted by the new leadership presented challenges to the work culture of USDS, as interviews for personnel post-takeover were described as combative and dismissive of employee contributions. This environment led to a substantial decline in the workforce, with many engineers who valued public service feeling disillusioned by the treatment they received. The changes have raised concerns over the agency’s ability to effectively serve the public, especially in light of their previous dedication to improving access to essential services.
Challenges of Integrating Technology in Government Operations
The podcast highlighted that the complexities of government operations often require tailored, thoughtful tech solutions rather than one-size-fits-all approaches driven by efficiency. Examples such as the difficulties veterans faced with outdated forms and the advancing challenges with refugee support systems exemplify the varied issues inherent within government processes. The need for comprehensive understanding of these challenges is essential for developing effective technology, particularly when addressing sensitive and life-critical services. As the speakers noted, while technology is part of the solution, addressing the underlying systemic issues within government operations is equally important.
The Role of We the Builders in Advocacy and Advocacy
We the Builders emerged as a response to the urgent need for advocacy and information dissemination about federal employees and their roles in improving government operations. With a mission to demystify governmental processes and illustrate the significance of public-service technology, the initiative aims to give voice to workers and promote understanding of their contributions. The speakers emphasized the importance of personifying these workers, showcasing their experiences and efforts to inform the public about the vital services they provide. Additionally, the initiative seeks to highlight the negative impacts of recent leadership changes while advocating for the preservation of the positive work culture and projects previously established within the USDS.
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.
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.
Also mentioned in this episode:
Find out more about We The Builders and read perspectives of federal workers.
