A Look at How Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Became a Federal Entity

Built upon the foundation of the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been established to modernize federal technology and improve operational efficiency, but its mission has now expanded to include identifying and eliminating government waste. DOGE has been tasked with scrutinizing government spending, particularly in programs with little accountability. The initiative aims to improve transparency, reduce unnecessary expenditures, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively.

Originally created in 2014 by President Obama, the U.S. Digital Service was designed to enhance the digital experience of government services, improving websites and IT infrastructure to make federal services more accessible. The January 20, 2025, executive order by President Trump restructured United States Data Service into United States DOGE Service, broadening its responsibilities beyond digital modernization to include reviewing federal spending practices. Under this directive, each federal agency must establish a DOGE Team to assess operations and identify inefficiencies. These teams, working in coordination with the USDS Administrator, will ensure compliance with the President’s agenda to maximize productivity and eliminate waste.

As part of its new focus, DOGE has begun reviewing examples of excessive government spending. According to information from the White House, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has funded numerous projects with little oversight, including millions of dollars spent on diversity initiatives abroad, artistic performances, and funding linked to foreign entities with controversial affiliations. Examples include $1.5 million to promote workplace diversity in Serbia, $70,000 for a “DEI musical” in Ireland, and millions allocated to tourism and infrastructure projects in foreign nations. Additional scrutiny has been placed on funds distributed to groups allegedly connected to terrorist organizations, as well as programs benefiting regimes and criminal enterprises.

Beyond targeting wasteful spending, USDS is also responsible for leading a Software Modernization Initiative to improve the efficiency of government-wide IT systems. The executive order mandates that agency leaders grant USDS full access to unclassified agency records, removing bureaucratic obstacles that previously slowed reform efforts. DOGE Teams will play a key role in implementing these changes, ensuring interagency collaboration and preventing mismanagement of taxpayer funds.

With its expanded scope, DOGE represents a significant shift in federal operations, emphasizing both digital modernization and financial accountability. By establishing a structured approach to reducing waste and improving efficiency, the initiative seeks to ensure responsible governance while strengthening public trust in how taxpayer dollars are spent.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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