Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E) has taken decisive action within the U.S. Department of Education. Reports indicate that top officials, including those appointed by President Donald Trump, have been removed from their offices. Acting Education Secretary Denise Carter was reportedly forced to vacate her office and wait outside. At the same time, Acting Under Secretary James Bergeron never had the chance to move in, as D.O.G.E staff had already occupied the space.
Employees describe a tense situation as D.O.G.E. operatives took control. White noise machines were installed, desks were relocated, and leadership spaces were seized without notice. As a result of this restructuring effort, the department is facing significant internal changes.
D.O.G.E Expands Its Influence with White House Support
D.O.G.E teams wasted no time asserting their presence. After securing the seventh floor, operatives moved throughout the building, collecting furniture and equipment to set up their workspaces. Some employees have described the reorganized area as resembling a compound.
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications Madi Biedermann addressed concerns about the situation. She stated that the D.O.G.E employees are officially sworn-in federal workers with proper clearances. Their mission is to improve cost efficiency and accountability within the department.
Trump has previously signaled his intent to restructure the Department of Education. While formally dismantling the agency requires congressional approval, D.O.G.E is implementing an alternative approach by reducing its influence from within. Meanwhile, Trump’s nominee for Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, is awaiting confirmation.
Massive Budget Cuts Implemented as D.O.G.E Operatives Compete
D.O.G.E. is rapidly cutting funding before its temporary contracts expire. On Monday, its social media account announced canceling $881 million in Education Department contracts. Reports indicate that D.O.G.E. operatives compete to achieve the most significant spending reductions within their limited employment period.
Most of these employees hold special government employee status, restricting their federal service to 130 days per year. This timeframe gives them a few months to execute significant budgetary changes before their tenure ends, leaving Education Department staff to manage the aftermath.
Resignations and Layoffs Reshape the Federal Workforce
The Trump administration is advancing its voluntary resignation initiative, Fork in the Road, across federal agencies. This program allows employees who resign in February to receive pay through September. While the White House aimed for 5-10% of the federal workforce to participate, the numbers have fallen short.
As a result, mass firings are becoming more likely. On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order instructing agency heads to proceed with layoffs. However, the administration has assured that public safety, immigration enforcement, and law enforcement positions will remain unaffected. The situation continues to develop as D.O.G.E pushes forward with its restructuring efforts.