21 Federal Tech Staffers Resign Over Musk’s Govt Downsizing Effort/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Twenty-one federal technology staffers resigned Tuesday from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), citing opposition to efforts to slash essential public services under President Trump’s administration. The resignations highlight growing backlash as Musk pushes mass layoffs despite court challenges and agency pushback. Meanwhile, states like New York are offering jobs to displaced federal workers.
Government Cuts & Workforce Quick Looks
- 21 federal tech employees resign, citing ethical concerns over service dismantling
- Musk’s DOGE cancels 1,125 federal contracts; 40% expected to yield no cost savings
- FDA rehiring some fired staff after industry pushback over product review delays
- Federal return-to-office mandate faces logistical issues in major U.S. cities
- New York launches hiring portal for laid-off federal employees
- House Speaker Mike Johnson defends DOGE cuts, calling them “long overdue”
- Musk renews threat to fire federal workers who don’t respond to weekly productivity emails
21 Federal Tech Staffers Resign Over Musk’s Govt Downsizing Effort
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — Twenty-one federal technology staffers resigned Tuesday from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), protesting what they described as efforts to dismantle critical public services under President Donald Trump’s administration.
In a joint resignation letter obtained by the Associated Press, the group—comprising engineers, data scientists, and product managers—expressed deep concerns about being forced to use their technical expertise to gut essential government programs.
“We swore to serve the American people and uphold our oath to the Constitution across presidential administrations,” the letter read. “It has become clear that we can no longer honor those commitments.”
The mass exodus marks a significant setback for Musk’s plan to rapidly downsize the federal workforce, which has been met with legal challenges and bipartisan criticism.
DOGE’s Cost-Cutting Under Fire
DOGE recently terminated 1,125 federal contracts in a move Musk claimed would save taxpayer money. However, data from DOGE’s own “Wall of Receipts” reveals that 417 of those cancellations—nearly 40%—are not expected to produce savings because the funds had already been spent.
“It’s like confiscating used ammunition after it’s been shot,” said Charles Tiefer, a government contracting expert. “These cancellations are pointless and won’t save money.”
States Push Back: New York Offers Jobs to Federal Workers
Responding to widespread layoffs, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new initiative to hire displaced federal workers through an online portal.
“The federal government might say, ‘You’re fired,’ but here in New York, we say, ‘You’re hired,’” Hochul said in a video statement.
The move aims to retain skilled workers affected by DOGE’s cost-cutting, especially those in critical roles like healthcare technology and infrastructure management.
Musk’s Productivity Mandates Spark Outrage
Despite pushback from agencies and legal warnings, Musk reaffirmed his demand that federal employees submit weekly productivity reports listing five accomplishments or risk termination.
“Those who fail to respond a second time will be fired,” Musk wrote on his platform X.
The Office of Personnel Management had earlier clarified that responding to Musk’s email was optional, adding to the confusion within federal agencies.
FDA Rehires Staff After Industry Pressure
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which saw mass firings of medical device reviewers, has reversed course after pressure from industry lobbyists concerned about product approval delays.
“A sizable number of device reviewers appear to be returning,” said a spokesperson for the medical device industry’s leading trade group.
Similar rehire efforts have emerged at agencies overseeing nuclear security and national parks, underscoring what critics call the chaotic nature of Trump and Musk’s cost-cutting campaign.
Federal Return-to-Office Plan Faces Hurdles
President Trump’s return-to-office mandate officially began Monday, but many agencies struggled to accommodate returning staff:
- Education Department regional offices in Boston, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco unprepared for in-person work
- Employees living more than 50 miles away from key offices exempt from immediate return
- Full return expected to roll out in phases through April
“We’re seeing a rush to implement policies without the infrastructure to support them,” said a senior Education Department official.
Political Reactions
House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the DOGE cuts, calling them a necessary step to reduce government bloat:
“You ought to be standing up and applauding,” Johnson said at a press conference. “This is what the American people elected us to do.”
However, Democrats and labor groups have slammed the cuts, citing risks to public safety, healthcare, and economic stability.
Court Challenges and Broader Implications
Several lawsuits are pending against DOGE’s methods, including claims that:
- The mass firings violate federal employment protections
- DOGE terminated contracts illegally, without proper review
- Forced returns to office disregard public health guidelines
Legal experts predict prolonged litigation, which could delay or reverse some of Musk’s cost-cutting measures.
What’s Next?
- Friday: Deadline for Mexico-U.S. negotiations on tariffs
- Next week: Court hearing on DOGE contract termination lawsuits
- April: Full return-to-office mandate implementation
Federal employees, meanwhile, face a tense work environment as uncertainty looms over job security and government services continuity.
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