The article discusses the impact of recent firings and resignations at the U.S. Digital Service (USDS) and the closure of 18F, a technology shop that provided essential services. Many staffers have left due to a toxic work culture described as a "scorched earth approach," particularly following the Trump administration's rebranding of USDS into DOGE. A former project lead for the CDC expressed concern over the future of critical public health programs, warning they may collapse due to insufficient staffing and support, thereby worsening conditions for vulnerable populations.
"There's a giant hole left by the closure of 18F. Requests from across the country for help far outpaced 18F's capacity before the closure."
"The scorched earth approach is driving away the people who actually have the skills to fix the government's problems."
"I signed up to work for the American people. And when that changed I decided to leave."
"It puts vulnerable populations into even more vulnerable situations. The program is probably going to die."
Collection
[
|
...
]