Trump's Controversial Efficiency Unit Shuts Down Early, Leaving Legacy of Uncertainty

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A little-known government efficiency unit created by former US President Donald Trump has unexpectedly shut down eight months before its scheduled end. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), launched in 2021, aimed to reduce federal spending and shrink agencies. Initially led by billionaire Elon Musk, the unit drew attention for its aggressive attempts to cut staff, budgets, and programs. However, its effectiveness was difficult to measure due to a lack of transparency about its cost savings. Despite Trump's order to keep DOGE active until mid-2026, officials have been referring to it in the past tense for months. The unit's duties have been transferred to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and its members have moved on to other roles within the government. Some notable alumni include Joe Gebbia, who now heads a design studio tasked with improving government websites, and Zachary Terrell, who became the chief technology officer at the Department of Health and Human Services. Jeremy Lewin, who worked with Musk and the Trump team to scale back the US Agency for International Development, is now in charge of foreign aid programs at the State Department. While DOGE's shutdown marks the end of an era, the US government continues to pursue its efforts to reduce regulations using AI tools. Meanwhile, several Republican-led states are exploring the possibility of establishing their own versions of the unit, raising questions about the long-term impact of DOGE's legacy.