Additional Coverage:
DOGE Establishes Presence in Washington
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has begun operating in Washington, DC. DOGE aims to reduce federal spending and regulations, and its staff will be embedded in federal agencies to identify areas for improvement.
Staff and Structure
DOGE staffers will work close to the White House, with Musk reportedly occupying an office near the West Wing. The commission will deploy staff to most federal agencies to gather data and make recommendations. Lawmakers plan to provide DOGE with “low-hanging fruit” suggestions within the first quarter of the year.
Involvement of Tech Leaders and Others
Musk and Ramaswamy have enlisted the help of Silicon Valley leaders, including Marc Andreessen and Steve Davis. DOGE has also begun hiring non-tech personnel for full-time roles. Employees will likely be required to work in person.
Legal and Political Status
DOGE is not a Congressionally authorized department but rather an advisory group. Its recommendations will require executive actions or legislative changes to implement. Some experts question the legal basis for its authority.
Influence on Congress
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed interest in working with DOGE. While DOGE cannot directly cut spending, its recommendations could influence legislation and executive orders. DOGE’s impact is expected to become clearer as it makes its first official proposals.