Trump Administration Solidifying DOGE’s Role In Federal Overhaul

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has initiated major changes to how federal technology leaders are selected, reinforcing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as a key force in modernizing government operations. A recently issued memo calls for the reclassification of chief information officers (CIOs) from career roles to political appointments, a move that could expand the reach of DOGE across multiple agencies.

Federal agencies have until Feb. 14 to submit their requests to OPM to transition CIO positions from career-reserved to general roles. This adjustment would allow agency heads to appoint CIOs from a broader pool, increasing the number of candidates who can take on policy-focused responsibilities. The memo emphasizes that CIOs play a critical role in shaping government technology policy, particularly in procurement, security, and accessibility.

DOGE, a restructured version of the U.S. Digital Service, has been working to streamline federal IT spending, an industry valued at approximately $163 billion. The federal government currently operates without a unified IT department, instead relying on various contractors and outdated systems spread across multiple agencies. The Trump administration’s push for greater efficiency in government services has led to DOGE taking a central role in these changes.

Elon Musk has played an influential role in the initiative, collaborating with DOGE and federal agencies to address inefficiencies. His involvement has sparked criticism from career officials and Democratic lawmakers, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez going as far as to label the effort a “coup.” Protests have taken place outside OPM headquarters, with opponents arguing that placing political appointees in CIO positions could erode impartiality in government operations.

Meanwhile, legal challenges have emerged. A coalition of labor unions has filed a lawsuit against the Treasury Department, alleging that Secretary Scott Bessent granted DOGE members access to sensitive financial and personal data. The suit, led by the Alliance for Retired Americans and other labor groups, claims that Treasury records—including Social Security numbers and banking details—were made available to DOGE representatives. A judge has temporarily halted DOGE’s access to these records.

Despite the opposition, Musk and former DOGE co-lead Vivek Ramaswamy have defended the initiative, arguing that the changes will improve efficiency and cut waste. Musk has highlighted the importance of securing better procurement deals, while Ramaswamy has pointed to the fragmentation of government IT services as a major issue. DOGE continues to push forward with its efforts, reshaping federal technology leadership amid ongoing legal and political battles.