The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is playing a growing role in reshaping federal technology leadership following a new hiring directive from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). A Feb. 4 memo instructs agencies to transition chief information officer (CIO) positions from career-reserved to general roles, allowing for political appointments in these positions.
Federal agencies have until Feb. 14 to request the change. The OPM directive highlights the growing role of CIOs in shaping public policy, arguing that these positions require leaders who align with the administration’s priorities. DOGE, which evolved from the U.S. Digital Service, has been central to the push for modernization and efficiency in government IT systems.
The federal government’s IT sector is a $163 billion industry, with multiple agencies relying on private contractors for critical technology needs. The Trump administration, with the backing of Elon Musk, is pushing for changes that would consolidate these operations and reduce unnecessary spending. DOGE’s role in this process continues to expand as the administration seeks to implement long-term reforms.
The shift has not come without controversy. Protests have erupted outside OPM headquarters, with opponents warning that making CIO positions political could threaten the impartiality of government agencies. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called the restructuring effort a “coup,” arguing that the administration is attempting to seize control over government technology infrastructure.
Legal challenges have also emerged. A lawsuit filed by labor unions claims that the Treasury Department allowed DOGE representatives to access sensitive financial and personal data without proper authorization. The lawsuit, which names Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, alleges that records containing Social Security numbers and banking information were improperly shared. A judge has placed a temporary hold on DOGE’s access to these records.
Despite the legal and political battles, Musk and former DOGE co-lead Vivek Ramaswamy continue to advocate for reform. Musk has emphasized the need for better procurement policies, while Ramaswamy has pointed to inefficiencies in how government agencies manage their digital infrastructure. The administration remains committed to restructuring federal IT leadership and integrating DOGE’s efforts across multiple agencies.
