DOGE 2.0: How Elon Musk's Efficiency Squad Is Quietly Reshaping Federal Agencies Post-Departure

The saga of Elon Musk's so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has taken a curious turn. What began with a high-profile, Musk-led charge to slash federal bureaucracy has, following the centibillionaire's formal departure, morphed into something more subtle, decentralized, and perhaps, in its own way, more deeply embedded within the machinery of Washington. This new phase, which some are calling 'DOGE 2.0', sees technologists affiliated with the initiative quietly cycling into federal agencies, continuing their work with less fanfare but persistent influence.

The initial premise of DOGE was ambitious, even audacious. Pitched as a rapid-response team of tech-savvy outsiders, it aimed to bring Silicon Valley speed and efficiency principles to the often-slow-moving federal government. Early reports highlighted young, inexperienced technologists joining the ranks, often with limited prior government experience but significant enthusiasm for disruption. Figures like Edward "Big Balls" Coristine were among the first wave, their presence and activities drawing considerable media attention.

Coristine's recent movements perfectly encapsulate the transition to DOGE 2.0. After a brief disappearance from the General Services Administration (GSA) internal directory, sparking speculation about DOGE's demise following Musk's and other leaders' exits, Coristine resurfaced. His new station? The Social Security Administration (SSA), working alongside another known DOGE member, Aram Moghaddassi. An SSA spokesperson confirmed Coristine's role, stating he would focus "on improving the functionality of the Social Security website and advancing our mission of delivering more efficient service to the American people." This quiet transition, from one agency to another, without the previous level of public announcement or clear organizational structure, is a hallmark of the new DOGE.

The shift is significant. While the initial phase was characterized by Musk's direct involvement and highly visible pronouncements, DOGE 2.0 operates largely out of the spotlight. Technologists spend days or weeks embedded within agencies, working on specific projects, cutting contracts, and then potentially moving on. This rapid deployment and extraction model contrasts sharply with traditional government hiring and project cycles. Crucially, this is reportedly happening with little direct oversight from the White House or even the United States Digital Service (USDS), the established government tech unit that DOGE members purportedly represent.

Legacy federal workers across various agencies have noted the change in approach. They are now told that DOGE affiliates are simply their colleagues, integrated into agency teams, rather than members of a distinct external organization. A US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee recounted being instructed by their boss to stop referring to the group as "DOGE." Similarly, at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the term "The USDA Digital Service" is reportedly being used instead.

This rebranding and integration strategy serves to make the DOGE presence less conspicuous, potentially reducing friction with existing agency staff and sidestepping the controversies that often surrounded the more public face of the initiative. However, it also raises questions about transparency and accountability. If these technologists are operating within agencies but still potentially taking direction from outside, who is ultimately responsible for their work and its impact?

Continued Influence Beyond Formal Roles

One of the most intriguing aspects of DOGE 2.0 is the apparent continuation of influence from key figures who have formally left government. Steve Davis, the president of Musk's Boring Company and a central architect of DOGE's initial structure, announced his exit alongside Musk. Yet, sources suggest Davis may still be communicating with DOGE technologists, potentially exerting influence from within Musk's corporate empire.

Sahil Lavingia, a former DOGE member who worked at the VA, claims to have heard that Davis remains involved, meeting with individuals and attempting to advance the "DOGE agenda." Another government source, speaking anonymously due to fear of retaliation, reported hearing that DOGE representatives have communicated with Davis via Signal, a messaging app known for its end-to-end encryption, after his supposed departure. Lavingia highlights the nature of DOGE's operational methods, noting that much of the communication has historically occurred on platforms like Signal, meaning formal government affiliation isn't strictly necessary for influence to persist.

This informal guidance, coupled with Musk's continued use of platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to comment on government efficiency and priorities, allows for a sustained level of external influence that is difficult to track or regulate through traditional channels. Don Moynihan, a professor of public policy at the University of Michigan, points out that the executive order establishing DOGE and its presence in every agency remains in place, providing a structural tool that can be utilized even without Musk's direct involvement. He also notes that Musk can use his public platform to direct attention to his priorities, further extending his influence.

New Faces, Familiar Mission: The Recruitment Continues

Despite the formal departures at the top, DOGE has continued its recruitment efforts. Job postings promise two-year terms at various agencies with competitive salaries, attracting tech workers in development, operations, software, and product roles. This suggests that the initiative is not merely winding down but actively replenishing its ranks for this new, decentralized phase.

New names are emerging as key figures within DOGE 2.0. Brian Burroughs, an IT consultant, was introduced to GSA staff by GSA administrator Stephen Ehikian and Technology Transformation Services director Thomas Shedd (who also serves as the CIO for the Department of Labor). Burroughs, whose company previously held significant government contracts, confirmed working with GSA but remained tight-lipped about specifics. His introduction by high-ranking officials suggests a continued effort to place DOGE-affiliated individuals in positions of influence within agencies.

At the Treasury Department, Roland Shen, a young engineer with a background that includes internships at major tech companies and work at Ramp, a payments startup backed by Musk ally Peter Thiel, appeared in April. ProPublica previously reported on GSA considering Ramp for its internal expense system, highlighting potential connections between DOGE placements and specific corporate interests.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), an early target of DOGE's efforts, has also seen an influx of new engineers affiliated with the group. One such individual is Yat Choi, a former Airbnb engineer. Choi has publicly discussed his government work on social media, including TikTok videos referencing DOGE and waste in government. Social media posts also indicate Choi is a Canadian national working in the US on a temporary visa. While temporary visas like the TN visa under USMCA allow certain foreign professionals to work in the US, holding a U.S. government job typically requires U.S. citizenship, except in specific, limited circumstances. This raises questions about the employment status and eligibility of some DOGE affiliates, echoing previous reports about individuals like Baris Akis, a Turkish citizen and member of Musk's inner circle, who was reportedly blocked from formally joining the Trump administration due to his citizenship.

Russell Vought, the current Office of Management and Budget (OMB) director, has publicly addressed the future of DOGE, reassuring lawmakers that it would persist beyond Musk's departure. He described the new structure as "much more decentralized" and emphasized that members would become "far more institutionalized" within their respective agencies. This aligns with the observations of decentralized operations reported by former members like Sahil Lavingia, who described the structure as a series of subgroups with limited interaction, ultimately reporting to a very small group at the top.

Burrowing In: Converting Status and Shifting Roles

A key element of DOGE 2.0's strategy appears to be the conversion of temporary or special employee statuses into more permanent government roles. WIRED previously reported that early DOGE operatives Luke Farritor and Ethan Shaotran had their employment designations at GSA converted from restricted special government employee (SGE) classifications, which limit time in government, to full-time positions. Edward Coristine also underwent a similar conversion before his brief resignation and subsequent return to the SSA as an SGE.

This process allows DOGE-affiliated individuals to become more deeply embedded within the federal bureaucracy, potentially extending their influence and projects beyond the initial limited timeframe. While some legacy government workers express disappointment that all of "Elon's people" didn't leave with him, they acknowledge that the operation has simply become more subtle.

Beyond converting status, DOGE members are also being detailed to new agencies, expanding their reach across the government. Luke Farritor, an early member linked to numerous agencies, has reportedly been detailed to the Labor Department. John Solly, another early hire aligned with DOGE, has been meeting with employees at the SSA, focusing on analyzing sensitive data sets like the Numident record containing death data and potentially payment and beneficiary records. Solly's LinkedIn profile, which previously hinted at "stealth mode" work on a "key skunkswork project," now describes his project as "redacted," further illustrating the shift towards less public visibility.

The placement of DOGE-affiliated individuals in high-level agency positions is also becoming more apparent. Sam Corcos has become the CIO at Treasury, and Aram Moghaddassi was recently named the CIO at SSA. According to an official government list, there are now at least six agency CIOs with ties to either Elon Musk or Palantir, the defense contractor cofounded by Peter Thiel. This concentration of individuals with similar backgrounds and affiliations in critical technology leadership roles suggests a coordinated effort to influence IT strategy and operations across the government.

Richard Pierce, a law professor at George Washington University, observes the "blurring lines" between DOGE and the rest of the federal government. He notes that the initial, more public phase allowed the administration to disassociate itself from Musk as he became unpopular, using him as a "useful tool" for implementing potentially unpopular changes while absorbing public criticism. The current phase, while less visible, continues the integration process.

Ongoing Projects and Agency Impact

Despite the shift in structure and visibility, some of DOGE's flagship projects are reportedly moving forward within federal agencies.

• **AI for Deregulation:** At the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a project utilizing AI to review and potentially rescind regulations continues. Christopher Sweet, the DOGE affiliate leading this effort, was reportedly involved in recent meetings to discuss hosting options for the AI tool. While one HUD worker described the AI as "pretty shitty" at the task, highlighting the challenges of applying AI to complex regulatory language, the project is expanding. An April memo indicated this initiative would include the VA, requiring agencies to submit regulatory documents for review by OMB, with AI tools used to analyze and flag documents for potential rescission.
• **IRS "Mega API":** WIRED previously reported that Palantir was assisting DOGE in building a "mega API" at the IRS. This project, aimed at creating a centralized data access layer, was mentioned as a priority in a recent all-hands meeting with IRS IT staff, indicating its continued importance within the agency's technology roadmap.
• **Workforce Assessment:** At the USDA, legacy tech workers are facing new requirements, including earning additional certifications and taking "IT competency assessments." A USDA employee noted the irony of this, given that DOGE had previously cut the agency's LinkedIn Learning subscription, suggesting a push for private-sector-style metrics and qualifications while removing resources for professional development.

These ongoing projects demonstrate that the core mission of DOGE — identifying inefficiencies, cutting costs, and implementing technological changes — persists, albeit through different means and with less public scrutiny. The integration of DOGE affiliates directly into agency structures and leadership roles allows them to influence priorities and direct resources from within.

Don Moynihan characterizes DOGE as an unprecedented entity within the federal government due to its structure and mode of operation. He suggests that while it may not disappear entirely, it is iterating into something different, adapting its methods to continue its work in a changed political and operational landscape.

The transition to DOGE 2.0 highlights the complex interplay between external tech influence, political agendas, and the established structures of the federal bureaucracy. As DOGE affiliates become more deeply embedded and their operations less visible, questions about accountability, transparency, and the long-term impact on government functions are likely to persist.

The Chatroom

As our reporting indicates, DOGE is far from gone; it has simply evolved. With Elon Musk's direct involvement largely removed, what future do you foresee for this group and the technologists affiliated with it? How might their decentralized approach impact federal agencies in the long term? Share your insights and predictions.

WIRED Reads

• 'People Are Going to Die': A Malnutrition Crisis Looms in the Wake of USAID Cuts: This report details the severe consequences of DOGE-driven funding cuts at the US Agency for International Development, leading to essential supplies like fortified peanut butter being left to waste.
• Grok Is Spewing Antisemitic Garbage on X: An example of the controversies surrounding Musk's other ventures, highlighting issues with AI and content moderation on his platform, X.
• Conspiracy Theories About the Texas Floods Lead to Death Threats: This article touches on the spread of misinformation and its real-world consequences, a theme sometimes relevant in discussions around rapid, opaque changes in government operations.

What Else We’re Reading

• 🔗 The Fight Between Musk Acolytes and the White House for Control of DOGE: A Wall Street Journal report exploring the power dynamics and ongoing struggle for influence over the direction of DOGE post-Musk.
• 🔗 Trump on DOGE Cuts: ‘I Would Have Done It Differently’: Politico's coverage of former President Trump's shifting stance on DOGE and its methods after his relationship with Musk reportedly soured.
• 🔗 US Contractors Cut Off by DOGE Given Lifeline by Private Credit: A Financial Times article detailing how federal contracting firms impacted by DOGE's cost-cutting measures are seeking alternative financing.