Trump Establishes DOGE Led by Musk, Aims for $2 Trillion in Cuts Amid Legal Challenges

Jan 21, 2025, 01:14 AM

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to establish the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. The initiative aims to modernize federal technology and software to enhance government efficiency and productivity. The executive order renames the U.S. Digital Service as the U.S. DOGE Service, retaining the acronym USDS. The USDS will have around 20 employees and will work to implement Trump's 18-month DOGE agenda, which includes potential cuts of up to $2 trillion through measures such as reducing waste and abolishing redundant agencies. Agency heads are required to form 'DOGE Teams' of at least four members within their agencies within 30 days to collaborate with USDS on the initiative. The U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization, also established by the order, is set to terminate on July 4, 2026. However, the creation of DOGE has already faced legal challenges, with at least three lawsuits filed alleging violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Additionally, there have been inquiries about abolishing the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and eliminating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Elon Musk's initial co-chair, Vivek Ramaswamy, has left DOGE following reported disagreements.