Musk's DOGE Team Oversees Federal Hiring Cuts

President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, aimed at streamlining federal operations and reducing workforce size through attrition. The order mandates that agencies develop plans to cut staff, allowing only one new hire for every four departures, with exceptions for law enforcement and public safety roles. Musk's team, largely composed of young professionals, includes notable hires such as Kendall Lindemann, a former Olympic swimmer, and Austin Raynor, a lawyer who previously clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Despite the youthful demographic, concerns have arisen regarding the qualifications and backgrounds of staff members, especially after controversies surrounding a former employee. Reports indicate that DOGE has swiftly begun dismantling federal agencies and altering operational frameworks, although details about its inner workings remain sparse. The team, which includes around 30 members, appears to be focused on leveraging technology and financial acumen to drive efficiency within the federal government.