‘It is a wrecking ball’: Former DOGE worker describes Musk-led government-slashing effort from the inside | CNN Politics

Key Personnel and Actions

Merici Vinton, a former federal worker at the US Digital Service (USDS), provides an insider perspective on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. DOGE's takeover resulted in a rapid and disruptive restructuring of USDS, marked by widespread layoffs and a disregard for established government procedures.

Vinton describes DOGE's approach as secretive and lacking in collaboration, significantly impacting government services and public perception.

DOGE's Methods

DOGE's actions involved:

• Massive layoffs of government employees, particularly those recently hired and possessing specialized skills.
• Cancellation of government contracts.
• A disregard for established government processes and procedures.
• Interviews with existing employees that were described as being unusually informal.

These actions have drawn criticism for their potential to hinder the delivery of government services.

Impact and Concerns

Vinton's concerns center around:

• The long-term consequences of DOGE's drastic cuts on government capacity.
• The lack of clear leadership and accountability within DOGE, with unclear reporting structures.
• The utilization of USDS as a convenient platform for DOGE operations, leveraging existing resources and access.

The article highlights the significant disruption and potential lasting damage caused by DOGE's actions to the US government’s ability to serve its citizens.