Sahil Lavingia, a former DOGE staffer at the Department of Veteran Affairs and startup founder, shares his unique perspective on the controversial initiative. He discusses the secrecy surrounding DOGE, revealing insights about the challenges faced by federal employees. Lavingia reflects on his initial excitement to drive efficiency in government and his disillusionment with bureaucratic practices. He also examines the intersection of personal beliefs and political choices while navigating a rapidly changing work environment.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Startup Lessons Applied to Government
Sahil Lavingia compares his startup's bloat during easy money times to federal government inefficiency.
He believed his experience slimming his company could help cut waste in government.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Family Concern Over DOGE Role
Sahil's wife opposed his joining DOGE due to political and family concerns.
They compromised on a short two-week trial for Sahil in D.C. to explore the role.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Day One Reality at DOGE
Sahil expected a startup environment with visible Elon Musk involvement on day one.
Instead, he found no central DOGE office or clear leadership at the VA.
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What was it like to work inside Elon Musk's DOGE? The cost-cutting initiative promised transparency, but most of its actions have been shrouded in secrecy.For months, there were reports of software engineers and Trump loyalists entering agencies and accessing sensitive data. DOGE also helped the Trump administration lay off thousands of government workers. NPR reporters have been trying for months to get anyone from DOGE to talk on the record. Now, Sahil Lavingia, a former DOGE staffer assigned to the Department of Veteran Affairs, is speaking. Today, what drew Sahil to DOGE and what he learned about the inner workings, in a way we've never heard before.For more on DOGE and the federal workforce: - The last time we shrank the federal workforce - Can... we still trust the monthly jobs report? - Can the Federal Reserve stay independent?This episode was hosted by Kenny Malone and Bobby Allyn. It was produced by Sam Yellowhorse Kesler and Emma Peaslee. It was edited by Jess Jiang and fact-checked by Sierra Juarez. It was engineered by Neal Rauch. Alex Goldmark is Planet Money's executive producer.Find more Planet Money: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.Listen free at these links: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the NPR app or anywhere you get podcasts.Help support Planet Money and hear our bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.
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