A once-prominent government office, known as 18F, dedicated to delivering technological services and enhancing efficiency within bureaucratic frameworks, has become the center of political controversy following its abrupt closure. On March 1, staff members were notified via email in the early hours of the morning that their office would be shut down, and they would be laid off. This decision, directed by top leadership within both the Administration and the General Services Administration (GSA), has left many questioning the motivations behind the closure.
18F was established with a mission to partner with various government agencies to consult and develop software solutions. The office played a pivotal role in creating dozens of services across different bureaus each year, most notably including the IRS Direct File, a free tax filing system that enabled Americans to file their taxes online without incurring fees, potentially saving millions of dollars in tax fees. The office was poised to expand this valuable service nationwide.
Despite its contributions, 18F faced criticism and false accusations. Luke Rosiak, a writer for the Daily Wire, accused the office of being a "far-left agency" and "a coven of transgenders and queers hiring each other." However, former employees swiftly refuted these allegations, emphasizing that 18F's efforts were focused on delivering efficient government services rather than political agendas.
“We were living proof that the talking points of this administration were false. Government services can be efficient,” said Lindsay Young, a former employee of 18F.
According to a GSA spokesperson, the decision to shut down 18F stemmed from a thorough review which concluded that the office was not aligned with presidential executive orders, statutorily required or critical activities. Furthermore, it was reported that 18F was not recovering its costs.
“After a thorough review of 18F, GSA leadership – with concurrence from the administration and following all OPM guidelines – determined that the business unit was not aligned with the presidential EOs, statutorily required or critical activities,” stated a GSA spokesperson.
The closure has been viewed by some as politically motivated. An anonymous GSA employee suggested that the elimination of 18F could be intended to appease influential figures like Elon Musk. The confusion regarding 18F's purpose and activities lingered for weeks following its shutdown.
“The only reason I can see for 18F being singled out for elimination ahead of other offices would be to make Elon Musk happy,” remarked an anonymous GSA employee.
Former employees also noted that 18F was not responsible for security issues related to facial recognition technology, and the office's commitment to diversity did not present any security risks.
“I think it’s impossible for people who are hyper-partisan to imagine people setting aside partisanship while working for the government,” expressed a former 18F employee.