Elon Musk, the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), made headlines when he wore a shirt that read “Tech Support” during the first cabinet meeting of President Trump’s second term. However, recent events have seen a significant shakeup within DOGE, with 21 employees resigning in protest. In an anonymous letter, these employees expressed their refusal to compromise government systems, risk sensitive data, or dismantle public services.

One of the resigning employees, identified as D.K., previously worked for the U.S. Digital Service, which aimed to enhance the government’s online information delivery. However, with the rebranding of the agency to DOGE under the current administration, concerns arose regarding the handling of sensitive data and technical expertise within the organization.

In an interview, D.K. highlighted instances of mishandling sensitive data, particularly citing concerns about the security of Social Security Administration data and the potential risks to American citizens’ privacy. The decision to resign was driven by a sense of ethical responsibility and a belief that staying within DOGE would only serve to legitimize questionable practices that could compromise legal and ethical standards.

The resignation underscores broader issues within DOGE and the importance of upholding ethical standards and protecting citizens’ data. The interview with D.K. provides insight into the internal challenges faced by employees and the difficult decision to leave in the face of ethical concerns.