More than 20 federal technology experts have resigned from the Department of Government Efficiency, rejecting what they call an effort to undermine essential public services.
In a resignation letter obtained by The Associated Press, the workers said they could no longer uphold their commitment to serve the American people while the administration pushed drastic changes.
The departing staffers were part of a team originally formed under President Barack Obama’s administration to modernize government technology. Many had backgrounds at major tech companies like Google and Amazon but had joined the public sector to improve federal systems. Their letter warned that the administration’s current direction compromises core government functions, risks sensitive data, and weakens public services that millions rely on daily.
Their decision follows recent layoffs of about 40 employees from the same office, a move the former workers said severely impacted the government’s ability to maintain critical programs, including Social Security, veterans’ services, tax filing, and healthcare.
The letter also raised concerns about the hiring process under the current administration. The former staffers described being interviewed by anonymous individuals who appeared to have little technical expertise and seemed more focused on political loyalty than qualifications. They warned that the rushed and opaque hiring process posed security risks.
The resignations mark a setback for the administration’s push to shrink the federal workforce through aggressive restructuring. The departures come as legal challenges continue to push back against efforts to overhaul government agencies. With technology playing a central role in federal services, the loss of experienced personnel raises questions about the future stability and security of public systems.