In an unprecedented move, employees from the Division of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, have taken over the Department of Education's headquarters in Washington D.C. This team, authorized by Congress, has enacted a series of aggressive budget cuts and office takeovers, raising concerns and confusion among existing staff. The employees, classified as Special Government Employees, have about four months to implement as many budget reductions as possible.
The DOGE team has rapidly occupied the VIP offices on the 7th floor, displacing top officials from their spaces. They have rearranged furniture and installed white noise machines to obscure conversations, leading to a tense work environment. Some Department of Education staffers report feeling physically pushed out by the DOGE team, describing the atmosphere as "intimidating."
"They took over the top real estate, they made themselves at home." – an official
Instead of collaborating with Trump administration officials, DOGE employees are competing with them to achieve the most significant budget cuts. This competitive spirit has led to confusion and fear among regular employees, who find themselves uncertain about the ever-changing demands for funding reductions. One official described the situation as constantly shifting, leaving employees bewildered about their roles and responsibilities.
DOGE has already canceled $881 million worth of contracts with the Education Department, a move proudly announced on their social media account. This action is part of their broader mandate to slash costs wherever possible. The team has even been seen searching for additional office equipment to incorporate into their newly claimed space, signaling a long-term occupation strategy.
The Department of Education processes applications from approximately 17 million families annually through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The DOGE team's efforts to cut budgets pose potential risks to this essential function, raising questions about the long-term impact on student aid processing.
Despite the aggressive approach and unsettling tactics employed by DOGE, their congressional authorization provides a layer of protection against actions by President Trump to eliminate the Department without legislative approval. This situation complicates any attempts to counteract or halt their operations.