By: Cate Eberly

The Department of Government Efficiency, also referred to as DOGE, was established by an executive order from President Trump on January 20. This executive order reorganized the existing United States Digital Service into DOGE. 

During its creation in early 2025, its stated mission according to The White House was “modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity” through tactics such as cutting waste, reducing bureaucracy, restraining excessive spending, and decreasing regulation. 

To achieve the agency’s mission, DOGE employees began accessing systems of various federal agencies, with authority to cancel contracts, freeze budgets, and restructure agencies, even targeting major agencies such the as United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 

The ambition behind these moves drew attention and controversy to the agency. Debates began over transparency and the constitutionality of sweeping reorganizations. Critics flagged the lack of public oversight, DOGE documents were often classified, and the “special government employee” status for many DOGE staff limited accountability. 

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) confirmed that DOGE “no longer exists” as a centralized entity, with many of its functions and personnel redistributed. In November 2025, less than a year after its founding, it was publicly reported that DOGE was disbanded, eight months ahead of its scheduled end date, July 4, 2026. 

Former DOGE leadership and team members have been reassigned within various federal agencies or oversight structures, but the original program and its mandate are effectively over. 

The hopes of sweeping efficiency reforms have largely concluded.