The Department of Government Efficiency is set on implementing significant reforms within the federal workforce. Following disagreements with DOGE, several key government figures have departed from their positions. The task force’s efforts to transform the workings of Washington are leading to considerable disruptions.
Originally conceptualized by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aims to streamline government functions and downsize the federal bureaucracy. As the aggressive task force leaves its mark, numerous high-profile officials have resigned or been ousted from their posts. Below is a summary of some notable exits that have resulted from DOGE’s initiatives.
Michelle King, Head of the Social Security Administration
Michelle King, acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), resigned from her position this past Sunday after a clash with the Department of Government Efficiency. Having dedicated over 30 years to the SSA, which administers programs for retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits for millions, King assumed the role of acting commissioner just last month, as noted on her LinkedIn profile.
Nancy Altman, president of the advocacy group Social Security Works, informed NBC News that multiple SSA officials disclosed King’s departure to her. Altman reported that King had declined to share sensitive information, such as bank details and Social Security numbers, with the DOGE team. In a statement to Business Insider, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields indicated that a career anti-fraud expert from the SSA would lead the agency until Trump’s nominee, Frank Bisignano, is confirmed. Fields emphasized, “President Trump is dedicated to appointing the most qualified individuals committed to serving the American people, rather than catering to a bureaucracy that has long failed them.” The SSA did not respond to Business Insider’s request for comment, nor did King.
Jim Jones, Head of the FDA’s Food Division
Jim Jones, who headed the food division at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), resigned from his position on Monday, as detailed in a letter obtained by Bloomberg. In his resignation, Jones expressed that the cuts instituted by DOGE would impede his ability to effectively carry out his responsibilities. He lamented the loss of nine employees in a crucial 29-person team analyzing food chemical additives, highlighting concerns raised by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“It reflects a lack of strategy and thoughtfulness in the approach,” Jones remarked during an interview with Stat News, noting the challenges this presents for a critical area of focus. In response to inquiries about his exit, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commented that there are bureaucrats resistant to the democratic changes mandated by the public. She affirmed that “President Trump is solely interested in the best and most qualified individuals willing to support his America First agenda,” suggesting that this environment may not suit everyone. The FDA has not yet commented on the matter.
David Lebryk, Senior Treasury Official
David Lebryk has long served as a senior civil servant at the Treasury Department and briefly held the title of acting Treasury secretary, overseeing billions in annual government payments before announcing his retirement in January. After expressing concerns over DOGE’s attempts to access the federal payment system, he was placed on administrative leave.
Lebryk, who began his career in the Treasury Department in 1989, had been the fiscal assistant treasury secretary since 2014. He filled in as acting Treasury secretary during Trump’s second term until the Senate confirmed Scott Bessent for the position. Business Insider has reached out to both the Treasury Department and DOGE for comments.
Paul Martin, USAID Inspector General
Paul Martin was terminated from his role as the inspector general at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in February after his office released a report criticizing the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the agency. Martin, who served as USAID’s inspector general since 2023, received his termination notice via an email from the White House’s Office of Presidential Personnel.
Trent Morse, deputy director of that office, informed Martin of his immediate dismissal, expressing gratitude for his service. Business Insider has also contacted the USAID Inspector General’s office for a statement.
Steven Reilly, Lead Engineer for Notify.gov
Steven Reilly, who served as the engineering lead for Notify.gov at the General Services Administration, stepped down from his position following concerns over access requests by the new leader of the Technology Transformation Services, Thomas Shedd, a former Tesla engineer. Shedd sought administrative access to multiple government systems, which Reilly opposed, stating he had not received justification for the request.
In his departure letter, Reilly noted, “While we have suggested alternatives such as read-only access, Thomas has continued to request full admin/root access.” The GSA’s acting press secretary confirmed that Shedd had not yet been granted access to Notify.gov and emphasized the importance of adhering to established protocols in accessing government systems.
