Trump Administration Intensifies Federal Efficiency Efforts Amid Concerns

The Trump administration, through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, is intensifying efforts to identify and cut waste, fraud, and inefficiencies across federal agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Employees at HUD have been asked to justify hundreds of contracts, with concerns mounting over potential “devastating” cuts. Union leaders, while expressing worries about job losses, also see an opportunity for much-needed reforms, particularly in addressing long-standing issues with federal procurement systems.

President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, requiring federal agencies to collaborate with DOGE to implement “large-scale” workforce reductions. The order mandates a DOGE Team Lead at every agency to oversee hiring decisions, aiming to “restore accountability” and transform the federal bureaucracy. Agency heads are instructed to prepare for significant workforce cuts, with hiring limited to one employee for every four departures. Critics, including union leaders and Democratic lawmakers, have raised concerns about privacy violations, lack of oversight, and the potential for cronyism in contract reviews.

Meanwhile, protests erupted in Parkersburg, West Virginia, over reports of DOGE representatives accessing sensitive financial systems at the Bureau of the Fiscal Service. Demonstrators, including members of the American Civil Liberties Union and local Democratic leaders, voiced fears about privacy breaches and potential job cuts in an already struggling local economy. The Bureau of the Fiscal Service has not confirmed the visit, but employees reported minimal notice, fueling anxieties about DOGE’s expanding influence.

As DOGE continues its aggressive push to streamline government operations, federal employees face heightened stress and uncertainty, with many fearing layoffs or forced retirements. The administration’s focus on efficiency and cost-cutting has sparked both hope for reform and concerns about the erosion of essential public services.

HUD is bracing as DOGE seeks to cut waste, fraud. Union leaders have a suggestion

HUD is bracing as DOGE seeks to cut waste, fraud. Union leaders have a suggestion

The Trump administration is reviewing contracts across the federal housing agency. Some employees worry about potentially devastating cuts, though uni

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Trump orders large-scale cuts to federal workforce and gives DOGE more power

Trump orders large-scale cuts to federal workforce and gives DOGE more power

Executive order requires a DOGE Team Lead to be stationed at every government agency, who will oversee hiring decisions.

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Demonstrators protest against reported DOGE visit to Parkersburg

Demonstrators protest against reported DOGE visit to Parkersburg

Over a hundred people gathered Tuesday afternoon in Bicentennial Park to protest a reported visit by representatives of the Department of Government E

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The Staffers Helping Elon Musk Dismantle and Downsize the U.S. Government, One Agency at a Time

The Staffers Helping Elon Musk Dismantle and Downsize the U.S. Government, One Agency at a Time

Musk and his lieutenants are reshaping the government and its mission with the blessing of President Trump. ProPublica has confirmed the names and rol

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We got a DOGE staff list. From a McKinsey alum to a former Clarence Thomas clerk, here are the workers powering Elon Musk's cost-cutting squad.

We got a DOGE staff list. From a McKinsey alum to a former Clarence Thomas clerk, here are the workers powering Elon Musk's cost-cutting squad.

A list of White House DOGE staffers shows about 30 young tech, finance, and legal professionals remaking the federal government.

www.businessinsider.com