Despite mainstream reports suggesting its collapse, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) remains a potent force within the U.S. federal government as a decentralized network of Silicon Valley technologists continues to overhaul agencies through aggressive private-sector tactics. These operatives, many hailing from Elon Musk’s corporate empire and top-tier tech firms, have transitioned from a centralized “blitzkrieg” to a deep-rooted institutional presence, embedding themselves in critical roles across the IRS, OMB, and the newly formed National Design Studio.
The “Burrowed” Strategy: Decentralizing the DOGE Mission
Internal sources describe a strategic shift in DOGE’s operations. Rather than acting as a singular external entity, its members have integrated directly into federal hierarchies. “They are in fact burrowed into the agencies like ticks,” a USDA source revealed, contradicting reports that the group had disbanded. This sentiment is echoed at the IRS, where employees note that DOGE has simply “transformed” its approach to avoid becoming a centralized target for political opposition.
High-profile technologists like Choi, a former Airbnb engineer, continue to spearhead initiatives in Pennsylvania’s federal retirement processing centers. Others, including Edward “Big Balls” Coristine, Gavin Kliger, and Ethan Shaotran, maintain their affiliations with the government or DOGE-related projects, bringing an ethos of contract slashing and data consolidation to traditional bureaucracy.
IRS Under the Microscope: Coding Tests and Technical Audits
One of the most aggressive manifestations of this influence is occurring at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Under the direction of Sam Corcos, a DOGE operative and Treasury CIO, the agency has begun subjecting its 8,500-person IT department to “technical proficiency” examinations. These tests utilize HackerRank, a tool typically reserved by companies like LinkedIn and PayPal for screening new hires, not auditing veteran civil servants.
Modernization or Intimidation? The HackerRank Controversy
While technical screening is standard in the private sector, applying it to existing government staff is unprecedented. IRS employees, speaking on the condition of anonymity, report a culture of uncertainty. The “move fast and break things” mentality—reminiscent of Musk’s 2022 takeover of X—has introduced weekly work reports reviewed by AI and video defenses of ongoing projects. Managers remain in the dark regarding how these test results will influence future staffing decisions or potential layoffs.
The Rise of the National Design Studio and AI Deregulation
The DOGE influence has also birthed new institutional structures. The National Design Studio (NDS), housed within the Executive Office of the President, has become a hub for former DOGE personnel. Led by Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, the NDS is tasked with redesigning the digital face of the federal government. The studio’s recent outputs, such as the “Genesis” AI mission for the Energy Department, mirror the branding and speed of a tech startup rather than a federal bureau.
Simultaneously, the push for deregulation has moved into the realm of artificial intelligence. Scott Langmack, formerly with HUD, now leads “deregulation AI” at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). His mandate involves developing custom AI applications specifically designed to identify and eliminate regulations that constrain American business interests.
Leadership Shifts: From CDC Tensions to Private Sector Returns
The integration of DOGE operatives has not been without friction. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the arrival of Sam Beyda as deputy chief of staff coincided with a period of significant turmoil, including the departure of the agency’s director and a 25% reduction in specialized staff. While some officials deny Beyda’s direct DOGE affiliation, the pattern of installing tech-aligned policy advisors remains consistent across the administration.
While many operatives remain “burrowed,” others have cycled back into the Musk ecosystem. Anthony Armstrong, previously at DOGE and OPM, recently joined xAI as Chief Financial Officer. This revolving door between the federal government and Musk-led ventures reinforces the enduring influence of the DOGE philosophy on national policy.
In a recent public appearance, Elon Musk confirmed the continuity of the mission, stating that the team is still actively cutting waste and fraud. By decentralizing leadership, Musk noted that the operatives no longer provide a “clear person to attack,” allowing the DOGE principles of deregulation and efficiency to be institutionalized within the federal workforce.
