Response to the Department of Government Efficiency

The actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have attracted reactions from officials, scholars, and citizens. While a majority supports the creation of an agency dedicated to efficiency efforts, most opinion polls show opposition to DOGE and Elon Musk.^[1] Representatives created task forces to support DOGE efforts to cut waste. Countrywide protests have been organized to oppose mass layoffs, service cuts, privatization, and data extraction;^[2] United States Digital Service employees have resigned in protest.^[3] Various groups have sued DOGE, Musk, and the Trump administration. "Elon Musk defends DOGE in Oval Office as Trump orders agencies to comply with cuts - CBS News". February 12, 2025. Retrieved June 20, 2025. Supporters have emphasized the need for efficiency and fiscal responsibility; they have expressed hope that DOGE will cut down on wasteful spending. Unitary executive theory advocates argue that the bureaucracy forms a "fourth branch of government" that should be bent to the President's will.^[4] Critics have spoken of a corporate coup of the US government by an entity they deem unaccountable and unconstitutional.^[5] Security experts have pointed to national security and cybersecurity risks created by DOGE teams rushing into critical infrastructure. Potential conflicts of interest have been raised about Musk and his associates:^[6] with government contracts^[7] that clash with federal regulators,^[8] which DOGE is trying to slash.^[9] The administration suggested that Musk would recuse himself if his interests conflicted.^[10] DOGE has been accused of pursuing a symbolic culture war rather than targeting wasteful spendings.^[11] Multi-billion-dollar mistakes have been reported in savings DOGE claimed.^[12]