Insights from a Former DOGE Employee: The Future of Government Efficiency
As Elon Musk and key figures from the Department of Authorities Efficiency (DOGE) prepare to exit, WIRED engaged in a conversation with an ex-DOGE employee about his experiences, internal communications, and potential future developments.
This week, Sahil Lavingia shared a blog post on his personal website recounting his 55-day experience within DOGE. Previously identified by WIRED as part of the team at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Lavingia is also the CEO of Gumroad, a platform designed to assist creators in marketing their work.
A Glimpse into DOGE Operations
lavingia’s blog details various projects he undertook at the VA and offers candid reflections on his time with DOGE. He characterized the organization as “chaotic,” noting minimal information sharing among different teams.
This situation may soon evolve as musk has indicated plans to considerably reduce his involvement with DOGE. Two prominent associates, Steve Davis and Nicole Hollander, are also reportedly stepping away. Davis has been pivotal in managing daily operations at DOGE during his long-standing collaboration with Musk across various ventures.
The Uncertain path Ahead for DOGE
Lavingia expressed uncertainty regarding who will steer DOGE moving forward without Davis’s leadership.“Steven was essentially involved in everything,” he remarked during an interview with WIRED.
Musk, Davis, and Hollander did not respond to requests for comments from WIRED regarding these developments.
Interaction Practices Under Scrutiny
Lavingia noted that Davis appeared to be directing most activities within different agencies associated with DOGE while maintaining contact through encrypted messaging app Signal—a method that experts have previously cautioned could breach regulations requiring government employees to document all communications. Earlier this year, former national security adviser Mike Waltz inadvertently included The Atlantic’s editor in a Signal group chat discussing sensitive military operations.
“Steven became essentially the most straightforward one who became across everything,” Lavingia stated about Davis’s role within the organization.
The key Players Behind Doge Initiatives
Davis would relay priorities to whoever led each agency’s DOGE team; for instance, he instructed Lavingia at VA to focus on reviewing contracts slated for cancellation. While they communicated periodically via messages about project progress, Lavingia noted that responses were infrequent from Davis.
“In late March,” Lavingia recounted, “Davis was present at what was termed an ‘Executive meeting.’ Most attendees seemed primarily focused on executing tasks assigned by him.”
The Influence of key Associates: Armstrong and Akis
Two other loyalists close to Musk—Anthony Armstrong and Baris Akis—were also present during this executive meeting. According to Lavingia’s observations, these three individuals appeared central figures within the organization.
“Steven acted like a chief or bodyguard when Elon was around,” he added.
Akis is known as co-founder and president of Human Capital Ventures but is not a U.S citizen; reports indicate that Trump advisors had previously discouraged hiring him due to his Turkish origins despite holding a green card.
However, according to Lavingia’s account,Aki would be instrumental in bringing him into DOEG by informing him about assignments related specifically towards VA projects while connecting him directly with relevant personnel there.
Davis has long been part of Musk’s inner circle; when Twitter changed hands under Musk’s leadership back in 2022,Davis alongwith partner Hollander even spent nights working out office space alongside their newborn child assisting layoffs throughout company restructuring efforts.
Hollander too joined forces alongside her husband contributing towards efforts involving General Services Governance initiatives.
Before Trump assumed office,Davis had already spearheaded recruitment drives aimed towards enhancing efficiency levels across multiple departments including SpaceX DC offices where young engineers were recruited leading up-to innovative startups focusing upon AI technologies aligned closely around governmental needs.
Musk alongwith both men operated under special government worker status allowing them limited tenure up-to130 days serving public sector roles.Lavigina mentions how this arrangement allowed administration officials distance themselves away from unpopular decisions made earlier stating clearly:“doges lacked any command authority whatsoever.”
The Future Remains Uncertain Without Leadership Stability
With both leaders departing,Lavigina expresses concern over what direction remains ahead for D.O.G.E.,stating simply:”I beleive many younger engineers following suit will likely leave soon too.”
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