Chicago – May 17, 2025
Elon Musk’s influence in President Donald Trump’s White House may be waning, but the ambitious Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he helped create, is set to continue its work. Despite Musk’s departure, DOGE has already become deeply embedded in federal operations, including key staffing positions and efforts to overhaul outdated software systems across agencies. The department is also working on a government-wide database aimed at improving immigration enforcement and identifying fraud in government payments.
Many of the staffers involved with DOGE are expected to remain in place for extended periods. Some are temporary employees, serving as “special government employees” for a limited term, while others hold renewable one-year contracts or permanent roles within the agency.
Despite challenges and controversies surrounding its mission, DOGE has made a significant impact. During the first months of the Trump administration, it led to the laying off or targeting of at least 121,000 federal workers, with thousands more offered buyouts. The department’s efforts have sparked legal and political debates about its authority and reach.
With Musk no longer in the spotlight, some believe that DOGE’s work may proceed more smoothly. However, many employees within agencies like the General Services Administration expect the changes to persist, with Musk’s influence still strongly felt through his appointed staff. The restructuring process set in motion by DOGE is expected to continue for months, if not years, to come.
