The Independent Agencies
| Date | Short | Agency | DOGE Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/16/25 | NARA |
National Archives | |
| 2/20/25 | USADF |
U.S. African Development Foundation | |
| 2/28/25 | IAF |
Inter-American Foundation | |
| c.3/01/25 | USAGM |
US Agency for Global Media | |
| 3/04/25 | USIP |
US Institute of Peace | |
| c.3/13/25 | NEH |
National Endowment for the Humanities | |
| 3/18/25 | FCC |
Federal Communications Commission | |
| 3/20/25 | IMLS |
Institute for Museum and Library Services | |
| 3/22/25? | MCC |
Millennium Challenge Corporation | |
| c.3/28/25 | FTC |
Federal Trade Commission | |
| 3/31/25 | WWICS |
Woodrow Wilson Intl. Center for Scholars | |
| 4/04/25 | Peace |
Peace Corps | |
| c.4/05/25 | SEC |
Securities and Exchange Commission | |
| c.4/09/25 | MBDA |
Minority Business Development Agency | |
| 4/10/25 | FDIC |
Federal Deposit Insurance Commission | |
| 4/14/25 | NSF |
National Science Foundation | |
| 4/16/25 | AmeriCorps |
AmeriCorps | |
| 4/28/25 | DFC |
US International Development Finance Corporation | |
| 5/14/25 | EXIM |
Export-Import Bank of the United States | |
| 5/21/25 | MSPB |
Merit System Protection Board |
Over the past decade, Congress has established multiple independent agencies that are supposed to be insulated from interference from the Executive Branch in how they operate. Many of these are small and specialized and relatively unknown to the general public. That hasn’t stopped DOGE from interfering with them, in a coordinated effort with the White House that usually included the following steps:
- President Trump will issue an executive order targeting one or more independent agencies by name (e.g., this executive order that targeted the USIP, USADF and IAF). This is meant to provide the legal cover.
- A DOGE team (usually led by Nate Cavanaugh) then makes contact with the agency, usually under the usual pretenses of “IT modernization” and convinces/threatens them to sign an MOU detailing DOGE to the agency
- If the agency is governed by a board of directors, White House lawyer Trent Morse will email enough of the board to eliminate quorum with a message telling them that their employment has been terminated by the President. If the board has a partisan split, these will always be the Democratic-appointed members first. The goal is to either render the board inert or make it a puppet for whatever DOGE wants
- Once inside, DOGE will often move quickly to seize control of the agency’s financial systems and emails. Staff are immediately placed on indefinite administrative leave to prevent them from acting against them or monitoring what happens. DOGE will then send emails to terminate a large portion of grants with the justification that they no longer “effectuate administration priorities”
- DOGE will then proceed with plan to conduct a massive layoff (known as a Reduction in Force or RIF in government terminology) to reduce the agency to the bare minimum of staff needed to meet its “statutory requirements.” Much like obscenity, this is a seemingly precise definition that is remarkably arbitrary and in some cases, DOGE have used this justification to reduce an agency to a single person. Thus far, these arguments have not prevailed in court, but DOGE is hoping for a lucky break on this in a higher appeals court or the Supreme Court. Regardless, the agency is left functionally inert and unable to fulfill any of its duties towards the American public.
DOGE honed its moves against independent agencies by first attacking USAID and CFPB, and details on those can be found on their respective pages. This page is going to look at a flurry of individual incidents against each agency.
Phases of Attack
2/19: “Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy”
The pattern of assaulting independent agencies began with an Executive Order “Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy” issued on 2025-02-19 that mandated that “The non-statutory components and functions of the following governmental entities shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law” for the Presidio Trust, Inter-American Foundation, United States African Development Foundation and US Institute of Peace. This was followed by DOGE taking over the various agencies.
It started with the US African Development Foundation and the Inter-American Foundation. Both are small independent agencies established by Congress to invest in projects in the developing world. Thanks to litigation, we have some visibility into how events unfolded.
2/19/25
Official Action:
Trump issues EO 14217, which explicitly targets the Presidio Trust, the Inter-American Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation and the United States Institute of Peace for reductions.
Official Action:
Trump issues EO 14217, which explicitly targets the Presidio Trust, the Inter-American Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation and the United States Institute of Peace for reductions.
| Source: | Executive Order: Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy Executive Office of the President, 2/19/25 |
| Agency: | IAF, USADF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
Report:
USADF board member Ward Brehm becomes aware that his agency is going to be targeted by DOGE for elimination.
Report:
USADF board member Ward Brehm becomes aware that his agency is going to be targeted by DOGE for elimination.
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-2 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
2/20/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA Detailed To: USADF Ethan Shaotran 2/20/25 | |
| Source: | Detailing agreement for Ethan Shaotran from GSA to USADF Document Cloud, 3/21/25 |
Sighting:
IAF President Sara Aviel learns that DOGE will be visiting her agency. That afternoon, she meets Nate Cavanaugh and Ethan Shaotran who both introduce themselves as GSA employees. They showed little interest in a discussion on efficiency initiatives at the agency and stated they just wanted access to systems.
Sighting:
IAF President Sara Aviel learns that DOGE will be visiting her agency. That afternoon, she meets Nate Cavanaugh and Ethan Shaotran who both introduce themselves as GSA employees. They showed little interest in a discussion on efficiency initiatives at the agency and stated they just wanted access to systems.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh, Ethan Shaotran |
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-2 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
Sighting:
Chris Young meets with USADF leadership at their HQ to “introduce DOGE to the agency” and informs them that 2 engineers would be assigned to the agency.
Sighting:
Chris Young meets with USADF leadership at their HQ to “introduce DOGE to the agency” and informs them that 2 engineers would be assigned to the agency.
| Person: | Chris Young |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
2/21/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| OPM? Detailed To: USADF Jacob Altik 2/21/25 | |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Note: | info in govt legal declation |
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA? Detailed To: USADF Nate Cavanaugh 2/21/25 | |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Note: | verified via court filing |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
Interagency Coordination:
Ethan Shaotran and Nate Cavanaugh return to the IAF with Jacob Altik, who presented himself as representing the EOP. Altik confirms that DOGE plans to reduce IAF to what he considers the statutory minimum (a board and president, a location in DC, some grants) and DOGE will be conducting a Reduction in Force of all employees and terminating all grants. The demand approval from the board and threaten the board will be fired otherwise.
Interagency Coordination:
Ethan Shaotran and Nate Cavanaugh return to the IAF with Jacob Altik, who presented himself as representing the EOP. Altik confirms that DOGE plans to reduce IAF to what he considers the statutory minimum (a board and president, a location in DC, some grants) and DOGE will be conducting a Reduction in Force of all employees and terminating all grants. The demand approval from the board and threaten the board will be fired otherwise.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh, Ethan Shaotran, Jacob Altik |
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-2 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Anti-Personnel, Spending |
Disruption:
Jacob Altik demands waivers to exempt DOGE staff from background checks. He also threatens to fire the USADF board if DOGE’s demands are not met.
Disruption:
Jacob Altik demands waivers to exempt DOGE staff from background checks. He also threatens to fire the USADF board if DOGE’s demands are not met.
| Person: | Jacob Altik |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Impunity |
Sighting:
Ethan Shaotran, Jacob Altik, and Nate Cavanaugh arrive at the agency and demand that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) must be signed for their detail assignment.
Sighting:
Ethan Shaotran, Jacob Altik, and Nate Cavanaugh arrive at the agency and demand that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) must be signed for their detail assignment.
| Person: | Ethan Shaotran, Jacob Altik, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
System Access:
Nate Cavanaugh and Jacob Altik then demanded immediate access to USADF systems including financial records and payment and human resources systems. They were told they had to go through standard clearance process.
System Access:
Nate Cavanaugh and Jacob Altik then demanded immediate access to USADF systems including financial records and payment and human resources systems. They were told they had to go through standard clearance process.
| Person: | Jacob Altik, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Spending |
Disruption:
Once the MOU is signed, DOGE staff reveal their real purpose is to conduct a massive reduction in agency staff and scope and demand they must file a RIF plan by February 24th.
Disruption:
Once the MOU is signed, DOGE staff reveal their real purpose is to conduct a massive reduction in agency staff and scope and demand they must file a RIF plan by February 24th.
| Person: | Ethan Shaotran, Jacob Altik, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, IT Modernization |
2/24/25
Disruption:
The IAF President Sara Aviel joins a call with Nate Cavanaugh and Jacob Altik, who claim that all but one of the board members have been terminated. They demand that Aviel approves DOGE’s plan for the agency – which she declines to do – and that she sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) assigning a DOGE member to the agency and granting them access to systems. After the call, she confirms that no board members had received a termination notice.
Disruption:
The IAF President Sara Aviel joins a call with Nate Cavanaugh and Jacob Altik, who claim that all but one of the board members have been terminated. They demand that Aviel approves DOGE’s plan for the agency – which she declines to do – and that she sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) assigning a DOGE member to the agency and granting them access to systems. After the call, she confirms that no board members had received a termination notice.
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-2 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Impunity |
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-2 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
Disruption:
USADF President/CEO Ward Brehm receives an email from White House Deputy Director of Personnel Trent Morse notifying him that he is now removed from tbe board.
Disruption:
USADF President/CEO Ward Brehm receives an email from White House Deputy Director of Personnel Trent Morse notifying him that he is now removed from tbe board.
| Person: | Trent Morse |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
2/26/25
Disruption:
IAF President Sara Aviel receives an email from White House Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel Trent Morse informing her that President Trump has now terminated her position.
Disruption:
IAF President Sara Aviel receives an email from White House Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel Trent Morse informing her that President Trump has now terminated her position.
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-6 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Spending |
Disruption:
The IAF President Sara Aviel learns in the morning that the Senior Procurement Executive at the Treasury had been ordered by DOGE to unilaterally cancel all contracts by the end of business on the following day.
Disruption:
The IAF President Sara Aviel learns in the morning that the Senior Procurement Executive at the Treasury had been ordered by DOGE to unilaterally cancel all contracts by the end of business on the following day.
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-5 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Spending |
2/28/25
Appointed:
Peter Marocco starts as President/CEO at IAF.
Appointed:
Peter Marocco starts as President/CEO at IAF.
| Appointed: | Peter Marocco 2/28/25-4/04/25 |
| Position Title: | President/CEO |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Note: | Assuming removed with Sara Aviel reinstatement by court order |
Appointed:
Peter Marocco starts as Acting Chair of the Board at USADF.
Appointed:
Peter Marocco starts as Acting Chair of the Board at USADF.
| Appointed: | Peter Marocco 2/28/25 |
| Position Title: | Acting Chair of the Board |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA Detailed To: IAF Nate Cavanaugh 2/28/25-4/04/25 | |
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-2 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Note: | agency contact was earlier, but assuming MOU signed when Marocco seized power |
| GSA Detailed To: IAF Ethan Shaotran 2/28/25-4/04/25 | |
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-2 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Note: | agency contact was earlier, but assuming MOU signed when Marocco seized power |
Disruption:
White House Deputy Trent Morse sends an email to the office director at the IAF which states that Peter Marocco has been appointed the acting Chairman for the agency.
Disruption:
White House Deputy Trent Morse sends an email to the office director at the IAF which states that Peter Marocco has been appointed the acting Chairman for the agency.
| Person: | Trent Morse, Peter Marocco |
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-9 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
Disruption:
Peter Marocco convenes an emergency board meeting (where the emergency is that Trump issued an executive order), asserting that means he can avoid the mandatory 1-week notification to the board of the agency. In attendance at the meeting are Ethan Shaotran and Nate Cavanaugh. This is where he declares himself the new President and Acting CIO of the IAF.
Disruption:
Peter Marocco convenes an emergency board meeting (where the emergency is that Trump issued an executive order), asserting that means he can avoid the mandatory 1-week notification to the board of the agency. In attendance at the meeting are Ethan Shaotran and Nate Cavanaugh. This is where he declares himself the new President and Acting CIO of the IAF.
| Person: | Peter Marocco, Ethan Shaotran, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-10 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
Disruption:
USADF Managing Director of Finance Mathieu Zahui receives an email from White House Deputy Director of Personnel Trent Morse informing him the USADF is now “boardless” and naming Peter Marocco as acting chair. Zahui informs them that the appointment would require senate confirmation first.
Disruption:
USADF Managing Director of Finance Mathieu Zahui receives an email from White House Deputy Director of Personnel Trent Morse informing him the USADF is now “boardless” and naming Peter Marocco as acting chair. Zahui informs them that the appointment would require senate confirmation first.
| Person: | Trent Morse |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
3/03/25
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-2 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
3/04/25
Disruption:
DOGE takes the Inter-American Foundation’s website offline.
Disruption:
DOGE takes the Inter-American Foundation’s website offline.
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-2 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
Disruption:
Peter Marocco sends emails to all grantees terminating all of IAF’s existing grants except for a single one that was almost completely disbursed by that point.
Disruption:
Peter Marocco sends emails to all grantees terminating all of IAF’s existing grants except for a single one that was almost completely disbursed by that point.
| Person: | Peter Marocco |
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-2 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Spending |
Disruption:
DOGE brags on its X account that the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) has been reduced to a single employee.
Disruption:
DOGE brags on its X account that the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) has been reduced to a single employee.
| Source: | Tweet by DOGE X.com, 3/04/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
Disruption:
Peter Marocco announces himself to staff at IAF as President/CEO. He then begins immediately dismantling all contracts and places all staff on administrative leave for 30 days to prevent them from interfering or monitoring DOGE’s actions at the agency.
Disruption:
Peter Marocco announces himself to staff at IAF as President/CEO. He then begins immediately dismantling all contracts and places all staff on administrative leave for 30 days to prevent them from interfering or monitoring DOGE’s actions at the agency.
| Person: | Peter Marocco |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Impunity, Spending |
Disruption:
USADF CFO Mathieu Zahui receives an email from Nate Cavanaugh informing him that Peter Marocco would be coming to the office the following day in his declared capacity as Chairman of the Board.
Disruption:
USADF CFO Mathieu Zahui receives an email from Nate Cavanaugh informing him that Peter Marocco would be coming to the office the following day in his declared capacity as Chairman of the Board.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh, Peter Marocco |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-2 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
c.3/04/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA Detailed To: IAF Justin Fox c.3/04/25 | |
| Source: | The Authors Guild/American Council of Learned Societies v. National Endowment for the Humanities, doc 248-2 Court Document, 3/06/26 |
| Note: | start inferred from DOGE at IAF, but after start at GSA |
c.3/05/25
Disruption:
Peter Marocco names the remaining single employee not on admininstrative leave at the agency, the Chief Information Security Officer, as the new President of the Inter-American Foundation.
Disruption:
Peter Marocco names the remaining single employee not on admininstrative leave at the agency, the Chief Information Security Officer, as the new President of the Inter-American Foundation.
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-2 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
3/05/25
Disruption:
Nate Cavanaugh sends Ward Brehm an email demanding to know by what authority he is the President/CFO of USADF.
Disruption:
Nate Cavanaugh sends Ward Brehm an email demanding to know by what authority he is the President/CFO of USADF.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-2 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
Disruption:
Jacob Altik and Ethan Shaotran are rebuffed by agency leadership when attempting to enter the agency headquarters.
Disruption:
Jacob Altik and Ethan Shaotran are rebuffed by agency leadership when attempting to enter the agency headquarters.
| Person: | Jacob Altik, Ethan Shaotran |
| Source: | Musk’s DOGE Goons in Tense Standoff Video Unmasked The Daily Beast, 3/07/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
3/06/25
Disruption:
DOGE staff Jacob Altik and Ethan Shaotran return to the agency joined by Nate Cavanaugh and US marshals to force their way into the agency.
Disruption:
DOGE staff Jacob Altik and Ethan Shaotran return to the agency joined by Nate Cavanaugh and US marshals to force their way into the agency.
| Person: | Jacob Altik, Ethan Shaotran, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Musk’s DOGE Goons in Tense Standoff Video Unmasked The Daily Beast, 3/07/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
3/10/25
Onboarding:
The Trump Administration nominates Kenneth Jackson and Russell Vought to be on the board of the IAF.
Onboarding:
The Trump Administration nominates Kenneth Jackson and Russell Vought to be on the board of the IAF.
| Person: | Kenneth Jackson, Russell Vought |
| Source: | Senate Executive Calendar The US Senate, |
| Agency: | IAF |
Onboarding:
The Trump administration nominates Laken Rapier and Russell Vought to be on the board of the USADF.
Onboarding:
The Trump administration nominates Laken Rapier and Russell Vought to be on the board of the USADF.
| Person: | Russell Vought |
| Source: | Senate Executive Calendar The US Senate, |
| Agency: | USADF |
4/04/25
Offboarding:
Nate Cavanaugh ends detailed position at IAF
Offboarding:
Nate Cavanaugh ends detailed position at IAF
| GSA Detailed To: IAF Nate Cavanaugh 2/28/25-4/04/25 | |
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-2 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Note: | agency contact was earlier, but assuming MOU signed when Marocco seized power |
Offboarding:
Peter Marocco leaves role as President/CEO at IAF
Offboarding:
Peter Marocco leaves role as President/CEO at IAF
| Appointed: | Peter Marocco 2/28/25-4/04/25 |
| Position Title: | President/CEO |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-3 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Note: | Assuming removed with Sara Aviel reinstatement by court order |
Offboarding:
Ethan Shaotran ends detailed position at IAF
Offboarding:
Ethan Shaotran ends detailed position at IAF
| GSA Detailed To: IAF Ethan Shaotran 2/28/25-4/04/25 | |
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-2 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Note: | agency contact was earlier, but assuming MOU signed when Marocco seized power |
| Source: | Judge blocks Trump’s takeover of Inter-American Foundation The Hill, 4/04/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
Legal:
Sara Aviel discovers that a team@iaf.gov created for the use of Ethan Shaotran and Nate Cavanaugh had deactivated the admin access for the remaining IAF employee the day before Aviel’s return by orders of a court as President of the agency.
Legal:
Sara Aviel discovers that a
team@iaf.gov created for the use of Ethan Shaotran and Nate Cavanaugh had deactivated the admin access for the remaining IAF employee the day before Aviel’s return by orders of a court as President of the agency.
| Person: | Ethan Shaotran, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Aviel v. Gor, doc 35-2 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | IAF |
| DOGE Project: | Anti-Personnel |
6/10/25
Legal:
Ruling in Brehm v. Marocco, Judge Leon denies the plaintiff’s request for a temporary restraining order, finding that Trump was likely within the bounds of the law when he removed board members of the USADF.
Legal:
Ruling in Brehm v. Marocco, Judge Leon denies the plaintiff’s request for a temporary restraining order, finding that Trump was likely within the bounds of the law when he removed board members of the USADF.
| Source: | Case: Brehm v. Marocco Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse, 3/06/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
7/01/25
Legal:
A federal judge grants a preliminary injunction ruling that Trump violated federal laws when he appointed Peter Marocco as the head of the USADF, meaning that all of his subsequent actions to dismantle the agency should be considered null and void.
Legal:
A federal judge grants a preliminary injunction ruling that Trump violated federal laws when he appointed Peter Marocco as the head of the USADF, meaning that all of his subsequent actions to dismantle the agency should be considered null and void.
| Source: | Case: Rural Development Innovations Limited v. Marocco Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse, 5/21/25 |
| Agency: | USADF |
The next target outlined in the executive order was the US Institute of Peace. Thanks to testimony entered in the lawsuit of United States Institute of Peace v. Jackson (D.D.C.), we have a remarkably detailed timeline for the DOGE assault on the US Institute of Peace:
2/12/25
Disruption:
In a meeting on foreign aid at OMB, Russell Vought stuns staffers by asking them to cut foreign aid to the greatest extent possible. When told that the cuts will lead to more people dying, he reportedly nonchalantly replied “you could say that about any of these cuts.” He also inquires about dismantling the USIP completely. When told it was independent and funded by Congress, he replied, “we’ll see what we can do.”
Disruption:
In a meeting on foreign aid at OMB, Russell Vought stuns staffers by asking them to cut foreign aid to the greatest extent possible. When told that the cuts will lead to more people dying, he reportedly nonchalantly replied “you could say that about any of these cuts.” He also inquires about dismantling the USIP completely. When told it was independent and funded by Congress, he replied, “we’ll see what we can do.”
| Person: | Russell Vought |
| Source: | The Shadow President Pro Publica, 10/17/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Spending |
2/19/25
Official Action:
Trump issues EO 14217, which explicitly targets the Presidio Trust, the Inter-American Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation and the United States Institute of Peace for reductions.
Official Action:
Trump issues EO 14217, which explicitly targets the Presidio Trust, the Inter-American Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation and the United States Institute of Peace for reductions.
| Source: | Executive Order: Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy Executive Office of the President, 2/19/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
2/24/25
Interagency Coordination:
USIP leadership meets with DOGE staffers James Burnham, Jacob Altik and Nate Cavanaugh to explain the history and legal status of the small independent executive branch agency and why it should not need to respond to DOGE’s demands.
Interagency Coordination:
USIP leadership meets with DOGE staffers James Burnham, Jacob Altik and Nate Cavanaugh to explain the history and legal status of the small independent executive branch agency and why it should not need to respond to DOGE’s demands.
| Person: | James Burnham, Jacob Altik, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 1-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
Report:
The DOGE delegation counters to USIP leadership with their belief that minimum statutory size of agency is “a Board of Directors and a president, reports to Congress and the Executive branch, and expenses incident to the Board of Directors” and says they will regroup and return.
Report:
The DOGE delegation counters to USIP leadership with their belief that minimum statutory size of agency is “a Board of Directors and a president, reports to Congress and the Executive branch, and expenses incident to the Board of Directors” and says they will regroup and return.
| Person: | James Burnham, Jacob Altik, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 1-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
3/04/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA Detailed To: USIP Justin Aimonetti 3/04/25 | |
| Source: | The Authors Guild/American Council of Learned Societies v. National Endowment for the Humanities, doc 248-2 Court Document, 3/06/26 |
| Note: | Inferring from Cavanaugh start |
| GSA? Detailed To: USIP Nate Cavanaugh 3/04/25-3/24/25 | |
| Source: | Brehm v. Marocco, doc 7-2 Court Document, 3/06/25 |
| Note: | verified via court filing |
| GSA Detailed To: USIP Justin Fox 3/04/25 | |
| Source: | The Authors Guild/American Council of Learned Societies v. National Endowment for the Humanities, doc 248-2 Court Document, 3/06/26 |
| Note: | Inferring from Nate Cavanaugh start |
3/05/25
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 1-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
3/08/25
Sighting:
USIP President George Moose becomes aware that DOGE is conducting some sort of reconnaisance with respect to USIP’s security operations and the contractor who handles physical security at their building.
Sighting:
USIP President George Moose becomes aware that DOGE is conducting some sort of reconnaisance with respect to USIP’s security operations and the contractor who handles physical security at their building.
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 1-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
3/09/25
Disruption:
After receiving inquiries from the DOGE staff, the head of USIP security emailed them information about the private security firm that manages access to the HQ building.
Disruption:
After receiving inquiries from the DOGE staff, the head of USIP security emailed them information about the private security firm that manages access to the HQ building.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh, James Burnham, Jacob Altik |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 34-1 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
3/14/25
Disruption:
DOGE members Kenneth Jackson, Jacob Altik and Nate Cavanaugh show up at USIP building with 2 other people who claim to be FBI agents. They are refused entry. The DOGE delegation attempts to present a document firing the USIP president.
Disruption:
DOGE members Kenneth Jackson, Jacob Altik and Nate Cavanaugh show up at USIP building with 2 other people who claim to be FBI agents. They are refused entry. The DOGE delegation attempts to present a document firing the USIP president.
| Person: | Kenneth Jackson, Jacob Altik, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | DOGE plays hardball in U.S. Institute of Peace takeover The Washington Post, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
Disruption:
Various members of the USIP board report receiving emails from the White House saying they are terminated from their positions.
Disruption:
Various members of the USIP board report receiving emails from the White House saying they are terminated from their positions.
| Question: | Fuzz: sender isn’t named, but assuming it’s Trent Morse. |
| Person: | Trent Morse |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 1-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
3/16/25
Disruption:
At 6pm, all Inter-Con staff are removed from the building, all keycard access is revoked and all physical keys accounted for except for a single one held by the Inter-Con account manager for USIP
Disruption:
At 6pm, all Inter-Con staff are removed from the building, all keycard access is revoked and all physical keys accounted for except for a single one held by the Inter-Con account manager for USIP
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 2-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
Disruption:
Concerned that private contracting staff might be coerced by DOGE, the Chief Security Officer suspends the contract for building security contractor Inter-Con after being contacted by the FBI agents on the phone.
Disruption:
Concerned that private contracting staff might be coerced by DOGE, the Chief Security Officer suspends the contract for building security contractor Inter-Con after being contacted by the FBI agents on the phone.
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 2-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 1-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 1-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
3/17/25
Appointed:
Kenneth Jackson starts as Acting President at USIP.
Appointed:
Kenneth Jackson starts as Acting President at USIP.
| Appointed: | Kenneth Jackson 3/17/25-3/25/25 |
| Position Title: | Acting President |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 14-1 Court Document, 3/31/25 |
| Source: | DOGE plays hardball in U.S. Institute of Peace takeover The Washington Post, 3/18/25 |
Disruption:
DOGE members Kenneth Jackson, Jacob Altik and Nate Cavanaugh remove staff and president of the USIP with the help of Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, the FBI and D.C. police. Kenneth Jackson is named Acting President.
Disruption:
DOGE members Kenneth Jackson, Jacob Altik and Nate Cavanaugh remove staff and president of the USIP with the help of Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, the FBI and D.C. police. Kenneth Jackson is named Acting President.
| Person: | Kenneth Jackson, Jacob Altik, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 1-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Source: | DOGE plays hardball in U.S. Institute of Peace takeover The Washington Post, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 1-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
Disruption:
Asked by USIP leadership on why they are assisting DOGE in accessing the building, the Vice President of Inter-Con concedes that DOGE threatened to cancel every single one of their federal contracts if they didn’t comply.
Disruption:
Asked by USIP leadership on why they are assisting DOGE in accessing the building, the Vice President of Inter-Con concedes that DOGE threatened to cancel every single one of their federal contracts if they didn’t comply.
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 2-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
Disruption:
At 2:30pm, the Inter-Con account manager and employees attempt to enter the building with key cards and are denied. They then use the single physical key still in their possession to enter the building.
Disruption:
At 2:30pm, the Inter-Con account manager and employees attempt to enter the building with key cards and are denied. They then use the single physical key still in their possession to enter the building.
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 2-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
Disruption:
At 2:59pm, the USIP Security Chief calls DC police and institutes a high-level lockdown for the building. He observes with the security cameras that DOGE staff are attempting to gain entry on various doors.
Disruption:
At 2:59pm, the USIP Security Chief calls DC police and institutes a high-level lockdown for the building. He observes with the security cameras that DOGE staff are attempting to gain entry on various doors.
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 2-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
System Access:
Various USIP staff report receiving messages from DOGE staff asking them for employee lists and access to computer systems at the agency.
System Access:
Various USIP staff report receiving messages from DOGE staff asking them for employee lists and access to computer systems at the agency.
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 1-2 Court Document, 3/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Anti-Personnel |
3/19/25
Disruption:
DOGE-affiliated staff start removing interior signage from the USIP building.
Disruption:
DOGE-affiliated staff start removing interior signage from the USIP building.
| Source: | Bluesky post by Marisa Kabas The Handbasket, 3/19/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
Legal:
Judge Beryl Howell presides over an emergency hearing, but doesn’t grant USIP a temporary restraining order against DOGE’s takeover of the agency.
Legal:
Judge Beryl Howell presides over an emergency hearing, but doesn’t grant USIP a temporary restraining order against DOGE’s takeover of the agency.
| Source: | Bluesky post by Anna Bower Bluesky, 3/19/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
3/20/25
Disruption:
The USIP website is taken offline.
Disruption:
The USIP website is taken offline.
| Source: | Bluesky post by Marisa Kabas The Handbasket, 3/20/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
3/25/25
Appointed:
Nate Cavanaugh starts as Acting President at USIP.
Appointed:
Nate Cavanaugh starts as Acting President at USIP.
| Appointed: | Nate Cavanaugh 3/25/25-7/25/25 |
| Position Title: | Acting President |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 14-1 Court Document, 3/31/25 |
| Source: | Major MAGA Media Figure to Take Top Position at One of DOGE’s Biggest Targets The Daily Signal, 7/25/25 |
| Note: | After the rest of board was ousted, Nate was named President of the agency by Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth. Voided by court order on 2025-05-19 but restored by appeals court on 2025-06-27. Replaced by Darren Beattie on 7/25 |
Offboarding:
Kenneth Jackson leaves role as Acting President at USIP
Offboarding:
Kenneth Jackson leaves role as Acting President at USIP
| Appointed: | Kenneth Jackson 3/17/25-3/25/25 |
| Position Title: | Acting President |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 14-1 Court Document, 3/31/25 |
| Source: | DOGE plays hardball in U.S. Institute of Peace takeover The Washington Post, 3/18/25 |
Disruption:
The remaining board of the USIP – Marco Rubio and Mike Hegseth – terminate Kenneth Jackson as the acting president of the USIP and appoint Nate Cavanaugh to the position. The resolution also authorizes Nate Cavanaugh to dispose of the building belonging to the USIP.
Disruption:
The remaining board of the USIP – Marco Rubio and Mike Hegseth – terminate Kenneth Jackson as the acting president of the USIP and appoint Nate Cavanaugh to the position. The resolution also authorizes Nate Cavanaugh to dispose of the building belonging to the USIP.
| Person: | Marco Rubio, Kenneth Jackson, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 14-1 Court Document, 3/31/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
Interagency Coordination:
Nate Cavanaugh contacts the administrator of the GSA to propose transferring the USIP building to them, arguing that USIP won’t need a building because the statute doesn’t mandate it should have one or the staffing to fill it.
Interagency Coordination:
Nate Cavanaugh contacts the administrator of the GSA to propose transferring the USIP building to them, arguing that USIP won’t need a building because the statute doesn’t mandate it should have one or the staffing to fill it.
| Person: | Stephen Ehikian, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 15-3 Court Document, 3/31/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
3/28/25
Disruption:
Almost all USIP HQ staff (200-300 people) receive termination notices sent late on a Friday night.
Disruption:
Almost all USIP HQ staff (200-300 people) receive termination notices sent late on a Friday night.
| Source: | DOGE fires nearly all staff at U.S. Institute of Peace headquarters The Washington Post, 3/29/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
3/31/25
Official Action:
In a viral post on X, DOGE calls out what it sees as wasteful spending of the USIP. This includes a $132,000 grant to Mohammad Halimi, a former member of the Taliban who later switched sides and worked for the US and Afghan government. He is now living in exile as a vocal critic, but DOGE accused USIP of “funding the Taliban” by giving him a grant.
Official Action:
In a viral post on X, DOGE calls out what it sees as wasteful spending of the USIP. This includes a $132,000 grant to Mohammad Halimi, a former member of the Taliban who later switched sides and worked for the US and Afghan government. He is now living in exile as a vocal critic, but DOGE accused USIP of “funding the Taliban” by giving him a grant.
| Source: | Getting "DOGEd" Pro Publica, 4/22/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Spending |
4/01/25
Disruption:
The Defendants in the USIP lawsuit learn that GSA will be leasing the building to the Department of Labor. This is after Nate Cavanaugh transferred its ownership to the GSA.
Disruption:
The Defendants in the USIP lawsuit learn that GSA will be leasing the building to the Department of Labor. This is after Nate Cavanaugh transferred its ownership to the GSA.
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 34-1 Court Document, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
c.4/09/25
Disruption:
After DOGE’s claim that USIP had funded the Taliban is picked up by the Afghan press, family members of exiled ex-Taliban critic Mohammad Halimi are arrested by the Taliban and beaten in prison.
Disruption:
After DOGE’s claim that USIP had funded the Taliban is picked up by the Afghan press, family members of exiled ex-Taliban critic Mohammad Halimi are arrested by the Taliban and beaten in prison.
| Source: | Getting "DOGEd" Pro Publica, 4/22/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
5/01/25
Disruption:
Appearing on an interview with DOGE by Fox host Jesse Watters in his capacity as USIP President, Nate Cavanaugh repeats the claim that USIP was directly funding the Taliban through its grant to Mohammad Halimi. He makes similar distorted claims about other USIP spending.
Disruption:
Appearing on an interview with DOGE by Fox host Jesse Watters in his capacity as USIP President, Nate Cavanaugh repeats the claim that USIP was directly funding the Taliban through its grant to Mohammad Halimi. He makes similar distorted claims about other USIP spending.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Getting "DOGEd" Pro Publica, 4/22/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
5/19/25
Legal:
The judge presiding over the USIP’s lawsuit against the Trump administration rules that the firing of the agency’s board was illegal, rendering all subsequent actions taken by Nate Cavanaugh as President null and void.
Legal:
The judge presiding over the USIP’s lawsuit against the Trump administration rules that the firing of the agency’s board was illegal, rendering all subsequent actions taken by Nate Cavanaugh as President null and void.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Judge bars Trump administration from shutting peace institute that sought to end violent conflicts The Associated Press, 5/19/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
5/21/25
Official Action:
The US Institute of Peace reatakes control of its headquarters and leadership re-enters the premises for the first time since being escorted out in DOGE’s takeover.
Official Action:
The US Institute of Peace reatakes control of its headquarters and leadership re-enters the premises for the first time since being escorted out in DOGE’s takeover.
| Source: | Institute of Peace reclaims its headquarters after court win over Musk’s cost-cutting team The Associated Press, 5/21/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
Report:
Staff cleaning the USIP HQ after it is reclaimed by its owners find discarded marijuana, presumably left by DOGE staffers. It is currently illegal for federal workers to smoke pot, and especially so within government facilities.
Report:
Staff cleaning the USIP HQ after it is reclaimed by its owners find discarded marijuana, presumably left by DOGE staffers. It is currently illegal for federal workers to smoke pot, and especially so within government facilities.
| Source: | Elon Musk’s failure in government The Economist, 7/02/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
6/27/25
Legal:
A federal appeals court issues a stay on a lower-court ruling that blocked DOGE from taking over the USIP. In their ruling, the appeals panel noted that President Trump would face “irreparable harm from not being able to fully exercise his executive powers,” should the injunction be allowed to stand. This restores Nate Cavanaugh as President of the USIP.
Legal:
A federal appeals court issues a stay on a lower-court ruling that blocked DOGE from taking over the USIP. In their ruling, the appeals panel noted that President Trump would face “irreparable harm from not being able to fully exercise his executive powers,” should the injunction be allowed to stand. This restores Nate Cavanaugh as President of the USIP.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Appeals court puts peace institute back in Trump administration hands with stay of lower court The Associated Press, 6/27/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
7/12/25
Disruption:
Almost all USIP staff receive an email on Saturday telling them they are terminated effective immediately.
Disruption:
Almost all USIP staff receive an email on Saturday telling them they are terminated effective immediately.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | US Institute of Peace employees experience another round of mass firings following court ruling CNN, 7/12/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
7/21/25
Report:
The head of security for the US Institute of Peace sits for an interview discussing how he was betrayed by the security contractor for the agency and taking back custody of the building after the May 21st court ruling.
Report:
The head of security for the US Institute of Peace sits for an interview discussing how he was betrayed by the security contractor for the agency and taking back custody of the building after the May 21st court ruling.
| Source: | Reviving USIP Security Amidst a DOGE Takeover ASIS International, 7/21/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
7/25/25
Offboarding:
Nate Cavanaugh leaves role as Acting President at USIP
Offboarding:
Nate Cavanaugh leaves role as Acting President at USIP
| Appointed: | Nate Cavanaugh 3/25/25-7/25/25 |
| Position Title: | Acting President |
| Source: | USIP v. Jackson, doc 14-1 Court Document, 3/31/25 |
| Source: | Major MAGA Media Figure to Take Top Position at One of DOGE’s Biggest Targets The Daily Signal, 7/25/25 |
| Note: | After the rest of board was ousted, Nate was named President of the agency by Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth. Voided by court order on 2025-05-19 but restored by appeals court on 2025-06-27. Replaced by Darren Beattie on 7/25 |
12/04/25
Official Action:
The State Department posts photos showing that Donald Trump’s name has now been put on the US Institute of Peace facade, with the post acclaiming him as “the greatest dealmaker in our nation’s history.”
Official Action:
The State Department posts photos showing that Donald Trump’s name has now been put on the US Institute of Peace facade, with the post acclaiming him as “the greatest dealmaker in our nation’s history.”
| Source: | U.S. Institute of Peace renamed for Trump after his administration dismantled the agency NBC News, 12/04/25 |
| Agency: | USIP |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
3/14: “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy”
In another executive order “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy”, the Trump administration amplified the tactics of the first order, both by widening the number of agencies being examined and reducing the timeframes for their compliance. This order targeted the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the United States Agency for Global Media (aka Voice of America), the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund; and the Minority Business Development Agency.
c.3/01/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| OPM Detailed To: USAGM Gavin Kliger c.3/01/25 | |
| Source: | AFGE, AFL-CIO v. OPM, doc 96 Court Document, 5/16/25 |
| Note: | detail in court doc, date from Kliger spotted at VOA around start of March |
| OPM? Detailed To: USAGM Tarak Makecha c.3/01/25 | |
| Source: | Elon Musk’s Demolition Crew Pro Publica Projects, |
| Note: | Date unknown, but assuming with Kliger who was at USAGM in early March |
Sighting:
Gavin Kliger is reportedly spotted inside the headquarters for Voice of America.
Sighting:
Gavin Kliger is reportedly spotted inside the headquarters for Voice of America.
| Person: | Gavin Kliger |
| Source: | Trump guts government-funded media outlets Axios, 3/16/25 |
| Agency: | USAGM |
3/14/25
Official Action:
Trump issues a new executive order EO 14238 targeting the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the United States Agency for Global Media (parent of VOA, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund and the Minority Business Development Agency for reduction actions by DOGE.
Official Action:
Trump issues a new executive order EO 14238 targeting the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the United States Agency for Global Media (parent of VOA, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund and the Minority Business Development Agency for reduction actions by DOGE.
| Source: | Executive Order: Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy Executive Office of the President, 3/14/25 |
| Agency: | FMCS, IMLS, MBDA, USAGM, WWICS |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
3/15/25
Disruption:
In response to Trump’s executive order targeting independent agencies, Trump’s senior advisor at the agency, Kari Lake, sends out termination notices for all grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. It is unclear if she has the authority to issue such terminations.
Disruption:
In response to Trump’s executive order targeting independent agencies, Trump’s senior advisor at the agency, Kari Lake, sends out termination notices for all grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. It is unclear if she has the authority to issue such terminations.
| Source: | 'Bloody Saturday' at Voice of America and other U.S.-funded networks National Public Radio, 3/15/25 |
| Agency: | USAGM |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
Disruption:
In response to Trump’s second executive order against independent agencies (EO 14238), virtually the entire staff of Voice of America (more than 1300 people) are placed on indefinite admininstrative leave.
Disruption:
In response to Trump’s second executive order against independent agencies (EO 14238), virtually the entire staff of Voice of America (more than 1300 people) are placed on indefinite admininstrative leave.
| Source: | Trump has long hated this media outlet. Now he's ordering it dismantled. Politico, 3/15/25 |
| Agency: | USAGM |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
3/19/25
Sighting:
IMLS staff learn that DOGE is planning to visit their headquarters following day; most make plans to attend as a show of solidarity.
Sighting:
IMLS staff learn that DOGE is planning to visit their headquarters following day; most make plans to attend as a show of solidarity.
| Source: | DOGE Descends on the Institute for Museum and Library Services ArtNet News, 3/20/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
3/20/25
Appointed:
Keith Sonderling starts as Acting Director at IMLS.
Appointed:
Keith Sonderling starts as Acting Director at IMLS.
| Appointed: | Keith Sonderling 3/20/25 |
| Position Title: | Acting Director |
| Source: | DOGE Descends on the Institute for Museum and Library Services ArtNet News, 3/20/25 |
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA Detailed To: IMLS Justin Fox 3/20/25 | |
| Source: | The Authors Guild/American Council of Learned Societies v. National Endowment for the Humanities, doc 248-2 Court Document, 3/06/26 |
| Note: | start inferred from IMLS appearance |
Official Action:
After being sworn in as the acting director of the IMLS, Keith Sonderling issues a statement that he “will revitalize IMLS and restore focus on patriotism, ensuring we preserve our country’s core values, promote American exceptionalism and cultivate love of country in future generations.”
Official Action:
After being sworn in as the acting director of the IMLS, Keith Sonderling issues a statement that he “will revitalize IMLS and restore focus on patriotism, ensuring we preserve our country’s core values, promote American exceptionalism and cultivate love of country in future generations.”
| Person: | Keith Sonderling |
| Source: | Keith E. Sonderling Sworn In as Acting Director of Institute of Museum and Library Services Institute of Museum and Library Services, 3/20/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
Sighting:
DOGE arrives at IMLS HQ and are startled to find most of the staff there. The DOGE representatives quickly swear in Keith Sonderling as acting director of IMLS and then leave.
Sighting:
DOGE arrives at IMLS HQ and are startled to find most of the staff there. The DOGE representatives quickly swear in Keith Sonderling as acting director of IMLS and then leave.
| Person: | Keith Sonderling |
| Source: | DOGE Descends on the Institute for Museum and Library Services ArtNet News, 3/20/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
3/31/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA? Detailed To: IMLS Nate Cavanaugh 3/31/25 | |
| Source: | Bluesky post by Marisa Kabas Bluesky, 3/31/25 |
| Note: | Based on initial reports |
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA? Detailed To: WWICS Justin Fox 3/31/25 | |
| Source: | DOGE has tried to embed beyond the executive branch. Some targets have pushed back National Public Radio, 5/20/25 |
| Note: | Linked to WWICS by NPR, date is first DOGE sighting at agency |
Detailed To:
Gavin Hamrick detailed from unknown agency to IMLS.
Detailed To:
Gavin Hamrick detailed from unknown agency to IMLS.
| Detailed To: IMLS Gavin Hamrick 3/31/25 | |
| Source: | Bluesky post by Marisa Kabas Bluesky, 3/31/25 |
System Access:
DOGE gains admin access to IMLS systems for monitoring its grants and sending emails. The person is not named, but this is likely Nate Cavanaugh.
System Access:
DOGE gains admin access to IMLS systems for monitoring its grants and sending emails. The person is not named, but this is likely Nate Cavanaugh.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | DOGE Has Decimated the Institute of Museum and Library Services ArtNet News, 3/31/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
Disruption:
DOGE runs a process to send out emails cancelling all 900 open awards from IMLS to museums across the country.
Disruption:
DOGE runs a process to send out emails cancelling all 900 open awards from IMLS to museums across the country.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | DOGE Has Decimated the Institute of Museum and Library Services ArtNet News, 3/31/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
Disruption:
DOGE wrecker Nate Cavanaugh returns to the IMLS and notifies the entire staff of the agency that they are being put on administrative leave up to 90 days effective immediately.
Disruption:
DOGE wrecker Nate Cavanaugh returns to the IMLS and notifies the entire staff of the agency that they are being put on administrative leave up to 90 days effective immediately.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | State of Rhode Island v. Trump, doc 1-1 Court Document, 4/04/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
Sighting:
DOGE staff reportedly visit the Wilson Center for Scholars headquarters. In other reporting, the New York Times had identified Justin Fox as part of this delegation.
Sighting:
DOGE staff reportedly visit the Wilson Center for Scholars headquarters. In other reporting, the New York Times had identified Justin Fox as part of this delegation.
| Person: | Justin Fox |
| Source: | Musk’s Task Force Begins Shutting Down Foreign Policy Research Center The New York Times, 4/02/25 |
| Agency: | WWICS |
4/01/25
Disruption:
Mark Green, a Republican who once worked for Trump, is forced out as the head of the Wilson Center. Several members of the board were also reportedly fired earlier.
Disruption:
Mark Green, a Republican who once worked for Trump, is forced out as the head of the Wilson Center. Several members of the board were also reportedly fired earlier.
| Source: | Musk’s Task Force Begins Shutting Down Foreign Policy Research Center The New York Times, 4/02/25 |
| Agency: | WWICS |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
4/02/25
| Source: | State of Rhode Island v. Trump, doc 35-3 Court Document, 4/11/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
c.4/09/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA Detailed To: MBDA Nate Cavanaugh c.4/09/25 | |
| Source: | State of Rhode Island v. Trump, doc 35-4 Court Document, 4/11/25 |
| Note: | inferred from disruptions at MBDA starting |
Disruption:
The remaining 5 employees of the MBDA are transferred out of the agency.
Disruption:
The remaining 5 employees of the MBDA are transferred out of the agency.
| Question: | Fuzz: Date is unspecified |
| Person: | Keith Sonderling, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | State of Rhode Island v. Trump, doc 35-4 Court Document, 4/11/25 |
| Agency: | MBDA |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
4/09/25
Disruption:
DOGE terminates most of the remaining grants from IMLS (over 1000 in total).
Disruption:
DOGE terminates most of the remaining grants from IMLS (over 1000 in total).
| Source: | State of Rhode Island v. Trump, doc 35-3 Court Document, 4/11/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
Disruption:
All but 5 employees are sent expedited 30-day termination notices and placed on immediate administrative leave by DOGE staff.
Disruption:
All but 5 employees are sent expedited 30-day termination notices and placed on immediate administrative leave by DOGE staff.
| Person: | Keith Sonderling, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | State of Rhode Island v. Trump, doc 35-4 Court Document, 4/11/25 |
| Agency: | MBDA |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
4/17/25
Disruption:
According to a sworn declaration by an employee of MBDA, Nate Cavanaugh sends emails terminating MBDA grants under the authority of Keith Sonderling, who is the acting undersecretary of the MBDA
Disruption:
According to a sworn declaration by an employee of MBDA, Nate Cavanaugh sends emails terminating MBDA grants under the authority of Keith Sonderling, who is the acting undersecretary of the MBDA
| Person: | Keith Sonderling, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | State of Rhode Island v. Trump, doc 45-1 Court Document, 4/17/25 |
| Agency: | MBDA |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
c.4/17/25
Appointed:
Keith Sonderling starts as Acting Undersecretary at MBDA.
Appointed:
Keith Sonderling starts as Acting Undersecretary at MBDA.
| Appointed: | Keith Sonderling c.4/17/25 |
| Position Title: | Acting Undersecretary |
| Source: | Letter from the Senate Commerce Committee to Keith Sonderling about MBDA The Senate Commerce Committee, 4/30/25 |
| Note: | Nate Cavanaugh sent out grant rejections under the authority of Sonderling as Acting Undersecretary |
4/30/25
Oversight:
Democratic members of the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation send a letter to Keith Sonderling requesting details on his appointment as acting undersecretary of the MBDA and other information about DOGE’s takeover and destruction of the agency.
Oversight:
Democratic members of the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation send a letter to Keith Sonderling requesting details on his appointment as acting undersecretary of the MBDA and other information about DOGE’s takeover and destruction of the agency.
| Person: | Keith Sonderling, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Letter from the Senate Commerce Committee to Keith Sonderling about MBDA The Senate Commerce Committee, 4/30/25 |
| Agency: | MBDA |
5/02/25
Disruption:
Radio Free Asia announces it is laying off 90% of its staff and stopping many of its language services due to the loss of funding after USAGM head Kari Lake terminated all grants in March.
Disruption:
Radio Free Asia announces it is laying off 90% of its staff and stopping many of its language services due to the loss of funding after USAGM head Kari Lake terminated all grants in March.
| Source: | Radio Free Asia announces mass layoffs amid funding fight with Trump administration National Public Radio, 5/02/25 |
| Agency: | USAGM |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
5/13/25
| Source: | State of Rhode Island v. Trump, doc 60 Court Document, 5/13/25 |
| Agency: | FMCS, IMLS, MBDA |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
Legal:
Ruling in Rhode Island v. Trump et al, Judge John McConnell Jr. ordered a preliminary injunction declaring that IMLS grants must be processed and staff brought back.
Legal:
Ruling in Rhode Island v. Trump et al, Judge John McConnell Jr. ordered a preliminary injunction declaring that IMLS grants must be processed and staff brought back.
| Source: | Results Vary in Legal Efforts to Restore IMLS Publishers Weekly, 6/18/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Anti-Personnel, Spending |
5/15/25
Disruption:
The US Agency for Global Media starts sending termination notices to contractors, some of whom are on J1 visas and would be forced to leave the country within 30 days.
Disruption:
The US Agency for Global Media starts sending termination notices to contractors, some of whom are on J1 visas and would be forced to leave the country within 30 days.
| Source: | Will SCOTUS throw DOGE a bone? Politico, 5/15/25 |
| Agency: | USAGM |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
5/19/25
Disruption:
Although IMLS staff are returned to their positions by court order, employees complain that the email “reinforced attempts to eliminate staff through trauma, force, and malicious compliance.”
Disruption:
Although IMLS staff are returned to their positions by court order, employees complain that the email “reinforced attempts to eliminate staff through trauma, force, and malicious compliance.”
| Source: | Results Vary in Legal Efforts to Restore IMLS Publishers Weekly, 6/18/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Anti-Personnel |
6/06/25
Legal:
Ruling in ALA v. Sonderling, Judge Richard Leon declines to grant the preliminary injunction sought by plaintiffs, suggesting that the US Court of Federal Claims might be the more appropriate venue for the case, since it involves federal contracts.
Legal:
Ruling in ALA v. Sonderling, Judge Richard Leon declines to grant the preliminary injunction sought by plaintiffs, suggesting that the US Court of Federal Claims might be the more appropriate venue for the case, since it involves federal contracts.
| Source: | Results Vary in Legal Efforts to Restore IMLS Publishers Weekly, 6/18/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
Disruption:
Analysis by a USAGM grantee based on public data reveals that China has expanded its own propaganda and programming to counter the void left by the closure of Radio Free Asia.
Disruption:
Analysis by a USAGM grantee based on public data reveals that China has expanded its own propaganda and programming to counter the void left by the closure of Radio Free Asia.
| Source: | Controversial OPM email server operates 'entirely' on government computers, agency says The Washington Post, 6/06/25 |
| Agency: | USAGM |
6/12/25
Legal:
The plaintiffs in Rhode Island v. Trump et al file an amended complaint asking the court to rule that the IMLS closure was unconstitutional and violated the Administrative Procedures Act. As part of this filing, they issued summons to Keith Sonderling, Donald Trump, Howard Lutnick and Russell Vought. They have 60 days to respond, pushing the nest phase of the trial to August.
Legal:
The plaintiffs in Rhode Island v. Trump et al file an amended complaint asking the court to rule that the IMLS closure was unconstitutional and violated the Administrative Procedures Act. As part of this filing, they issued summons to Keith Sonderling, Donald Trump, Howard Lutnick and Russell Vought. They have 60 days to respond, pushing the nest phase of the trial to August.
| Person: | Keith Sonderling, Russell Vought |
| Source: | Results Vary in Legal Efforts to Restore IMLS Publishers Weekly, 6/18/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
6/14/25
Report:
Surprised by Israel’s strikes on Iran and unable to counter Iranian programming, the Voice of America orders all of its Farsi-speaking members in the Voice of America’s Persian wing immediately back to work. All of them had been on enforced administrative leave for several months.
Report:
Surprised by Israel’s strikes on Iran and unable to counter Iranian programming, the Voice of America orders all of its Farsi-speaking members in the Voice of America’s Persian wing immediately back to work. All of them had been on enforced administrative leave for several months.
| Source: | US scrambles to bring back VOA’s Persian service amid Iran-Israel conflict Politico, 6/13/25 |
| Agency: | USAGM |
6/16/25
Oversight:
The GAO determines that the executive branch violated The Impoundment Act of 1974 when it prevented agency functions, including withholding funds that were not eligible for cancellation under any circumstances. The GAO general counsel Edda Emmanuelli Perez noted that GAO had reached out to IMLS for information, requesting responses on May 5 and May 12 but were not replied to.
Oversight:
The GAO determines that the executive branch violated The Impoundment Act of 1974 when it prevented agency functions, including withholding funds that were not eligible for cancellation under any circumstances. The GAO general counsel Edda Emmanuelli Perez noted that GAO had reached out to IMLS for information, requesting responses on May 5 and May 12 but were not replied to.
| Source: | Results Vary in Legal Efforts to Restore IMLS Publishers Weekly, 6/18/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
7/02/25
Legal:
A judge grants a request for a temporary restraining order by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and orders the USAGM to immediately disburse the appropriated funds for the month of June that it had withheld.
Legal:
A judge grants a request for a temporary restraining order by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and orders the USAGM to immediately disburse the appropriated funds for the month of June that it had withheld.
| Source: | In Latest Legal Win, US District Court Orders USAGM to Release RFE/RL Funding for June Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, 7/02/25 |
| Agency: | USAGM |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
9/29/25
Legal:
Ruling in Widakuswara v. Lake, Judge Lambeth declares that the government must pause its layoff plans at the US Agency for Global Media and lambasted the administration for showing a “concerning disrepect” for the court’s preliminary injunction
Legal:
Ruling in Widakuswara v. Lake, Judge Lambeth declares that the government must pause its layoff plans at the US Agency for Global Media and lambasted the administration for showing a “concerning disrepect” for the court’s preliminary injunction
| Source: | Widakuswara v. Lake, doc 100 Court Document, 9/29/25 |
| Agency: | USAGM |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
11/10/25
Official Action:
Months after the dissolution of the Wilson Center, the Kennan Institute, researching Russia and its surrounding region, is able to relaunch as a smaller but independent entity.
Official Action:
Months after the dissolution of the Wilson Center, the Kennan Institute, researching Russia and its surrounding region, is able to relaunch as a smaller but independent entity.
| Source: | Dismantled by DOGE, a Foreign Policy Center Finds New Life The New York Times, 11/10/25 |
| Agency: | WWICS |
11/21/25
| Source: | State of Rhode Island v. Trump, doc 99 Court Document, 11/21/25 |
| Agency: | FMCS, IMLS, MBDA, USICH |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
12/03/25
Official Action:
After a November 21 federal court decision ruled against them, IMLS announces it has reinstated all federal grants to libraries. The official statement just states however “Upon further review, the Institute of Museum and Library Services has reinstated all federal grants.”
Official Action:
After a November 21 federal court decision ruled against them, IMLS announces it has reinstated all federal grants to libraries. The official statement just states however “Upon further review, the Institute of Museum and Library Services has reinstated all federal grants.”
| Source: | ALA welcomes reinstatement of all federal IMLS grants to libraries American Library Association, 12/03/25 |
| Agency: | IMLS |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
3/08/26
Legal:
Judge Royce Lambeth rules that USAGM administrator Kari Lake had violated both the Constitution and the statutes governing the agency. He declared all of Lake’s actions as null and void after she took over leadership of the agency.
Legal:
Judge Royce Lambeth rules that USAGM administrator Kari Lake had violated both the Constitution and the statutes governing the agency. He declared all of Lake’s actions as null and void after she took over leadership of the agency.
| Source: | U.S. Judge says Kari Lake broke law in overseeing Voice of America National Public Radio, 3/08/26 |
| Agency: | USAGM |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
3/17/26
Legal:
A federal judge rules that USAGM must reinstate by Monday all of the 1,042 employees who had been put on indefinite administrative leave as a prelude to eliminating the agency, declaring Kari Lake’s actions to destroy the agency as “arbitrary and capricious.”
Legal:
A federal judge rules that USAGM must reinstate by Monday all of the 1,042 employees who had been put on indefinite administrative leave as a prelude to eliminating the agency, declaring Kari Lake’s actions to destroy the agency as “arbitrary and capricious.”
| Source: | Judge orders 1,000 Voice of America staffers back to work in rebuke to Kari Lake National Public Radio, 3/17/26 |
| Agency: | USAGM |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
From there, it’s just been open season on every independent agency from DOGE. Here are the attacks grouped by agency types.
Targeting the Arts
The arts have been a natural target for DOGE, which shares the Trump Administration’s disdain for supporting the arts, unless it’s the creation of statues for a garden of American heroes. To be clear, there have been many assaults on arts organizations outside of DOGE’s involvement - just recently, Trump has attempted to oust the head of the National Portrait Gallery for instance - but there have been a few organizations that have seen DOGE target them specifically:
1/29/25
Disruption:
The Smithsonian Institution announces it is closing a diversity office and freezing all federal hiring. It is not a federal agency, but most of its funding comes from Congressional appropriaions and two-thirds of its staff are federal workers.
Disruption:
The Smithsonian Institution announces it is closing a diversity office and freezing all federal hiring. It is not a federal agency, but most of its funding comes from Congressional appropriaions and two-thirds of its staff are federal workers.
| Source: | The Smithsonian will close its diversity office and freeze federal hiring National Public Radio, 1/29/25 |
| Agency: | Smithsonian |
| DOGE Project: | Anti-DEI, Anti-Personnel |
3/12/25
Disruption:
Immediately after the removal of the agency’s chair by the Trump administration, DOGE staffers Nate Cavanaugh and Justin Fox contact NEH IT for access to key systems and arrive at the agency.
Disruption:
Immediately after the removal of the agency’s chair by the Trump administration, DOGE staffers Nate Cavanaugh and Justin Fox contact NEH IT for access to key systems and arrive at the agency.
| Person: | Justin Fox, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | When DOGE Unleashed ChatGPT on the Humanities The New York Times, 3/07/26 |
| Source: | DOGE comes for the little guy Politico, 4/16/25 |
| Agency: | NEH |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
Disruption:
Shelly C. Lowe, the chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is forced out of her position by President Trump. She is replaced by Michael McDonald as acting chairman.
Disruption:
Shelly C. Lowe, the chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is forced out of her position by President Trump. She is replaced by Michael McDonald as acting chairman.
| Source: | Chair of National Endowment for the Humanities Leaves at Trump’s ‘Direction’ The New York Times, 3/12/25 |
| Agency: | NEH |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
c.3/13/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA? Detailed To: NEH Nate Cavanaugh c.3/13/25 | |
| Source: | The Intercept Media, Inc. v. United States Department of Government Efficiency, doc 1 Court Document, 3/24/25 |
| Note: | Verified via court filing |
| GSA? Detailed To: NEH Justin Fox c.3/13/25 | |
| Source: | The Intercept Media, Inc. v. United States Department of Government Efficiency, doc 1 Court Document, 3/24/25 |
c.3/30/25
Disruption:
Nate Cavanaugh and Justin Fox gain access to the system at NEH for approving and administering grants. Justin Fox proceeds to look for grant descriptions containing words like “black,” “LGBTQ,” “Jew,” “Native,” and “immigrant” to eliminate for promoting DEI. He organized grants into a “Craziest Grants” and “Other Bad Grants” list, presumably for DOGE or the administration to use for promotional purposes. He also started asking ChatGPT to answer yes or no if individual grants “relate at all to DEI” and using that to mark grants for deletion without any further review.
Disruption:
Nate Cavanaugh and Justin Fox gain access to the system at NEH for approving and administering grants. Justin Fox proceeds to look for grant descriptions containing words like “black,” “LGBTQ,” “Jew,” “Native,” and “immigrant” to eliminate for promoting DEI. He organized grants into a “Craziest Grants” and “Other Bad Grants” list, presumably for DOGE or the administration to use for promotional purposes. He also started asking ChatGPT to answer yes or no if individual grants “relate at all to DEI” and using that to mark grants for deletion without any further review.
| Question: | Fuzz: date only given as a few days prior to termination |
| Person: | Justin Fox, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | The Authors Guild/American Council of Learned Societies v. National Endowment for the Humanities, doc 118-1 Court Document, 2/13/26 |
| Agency: | NEH |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
3/31/25
Disruption:
Justin Fox sends a letter to the acting head of the NEH, Michael McDonald, expressing frustration that the agency is not moving quickly enough to terminate grants. In his letter, he writes “We’re getting pressure from the top on this and we’d prefer that you remain on our side but let us know if you’re no longer interested.”
Disruption:
Justin Fox sends a letter to the acting head of the NEH, Michael McDonald, expressing frustration that the agency is not moving quickly enough to terminate grants. In his letter, he writes “We’re getting pressure from the top on this and we’d prefer that you remain on our side but let us know if you’re no longer interested.”
| Person: | Justin Fox, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | When DOGE Unleashed ChatGPT on the Humanities The New York Times, 3/07/26 |
| Agency: | NEH |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Spending |
4/01/25
Disruption:
NEH staff members are informed that DOGE is seeking a 70-80% reduction in staff and a cancellation of any grants made under the Biden administration that were not already fully disbursed.
Disruption:
NEH staff members are informed that DOGE is seeking a 70-80% reduction in staff and a cancellation of any grants made under the Biden administration that were not already fully disbursed.
| Person: | Justin Fox, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | The Intercept Media, Inc. v. United States Department of Government Efficiency, doc 1 Court Document, 3/24/25 |
| Agency: | NEH |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Spending |
Disruption:
In a response to Justin Fox asking about cuts, NEH Chairman Michael McDonald advocates for not cutting some proposed grants, but notes: “But you have also told us that in addition to canceling projects because they may promote DEI ideology, the DOGE Team also wishes to cancel funding to assist deficit reduction. Either way, as you’ve made clear, it’s your decision on whether to discontinue funding any of the projects on this list.”
Disruption:
In a response to Justin Fox asking about cuts, NEH Chairman Michael McDonald advocates for not cutting some proposed grants, but notes: “But you have also told us that in addition to canceling projects because they may promote DEI ideology, the DOGE Team also wishes to cancel funding to assist deficit reduction. Either way, as you’ve made clear, it’s your decision on whether to discontinue funding any of the projects on this list.”
| Person: | Justin Fox, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | When DOGE Unleashed ChatGPT on the Humanities The New York Times, 3/07/26 |
| Agency: | NEH |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
4/02/25
Disruption:
Approximately 1500 grantees receive grant cancellation emails sent from a nonstandard email address and bypassing the normal grant review process. The domain for the email address Grant_Notifications@nehemail.onmicrosoft.com suggests it was sent from a global admin account for Microsoft Entra, an access-control system used at the agency. The Acting Director of the NEH seems unaware of the messages. The content of the message cites an incorrect executive order as its justification, suggesting it was copied from an earlier email that was sent to IAF and USADF grantees after their DOGE takeover.
Disruption:
Approximately 1500 grantees receive grant cancellation emails sent from a nonstandard email address and bypassing the normal grant review process. The domain for the email address
Grant_Notifications@nehemail.onmicrosoft.com suggests it was sent from a global admin account for Microsoft Entra, an access-control system used at the agency. The Acting Director of the NEH seems unaware of the messages. The content of the message cites an incorrect executive order as its justification, suggesting it was copied from an earlier email that was sent to IAF and USADF grantees after their DOGE takeover.
| Person: | Justin Fox, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | The Intercept Media, Inc. v. United States Department of Government Efficiency, doc 1 Court Document, 3/24/25 |
| Agency: | NEH |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
4/03/25
Disruption:
145 NEH staff members (approximately 80% of workforce) are abruptly placed on administrative leave and locked out of system access. The remaining employees are pressured by Nate Cavanaugh and Justin Fox to formally conduct a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) as quickly as possible.
Disruption:
145 NEH staff members (approximately 80% of workforce) are abruptly placed on administrative leave and locked out of system access. The remaining employees are pressured by Nate Cavanaugh and Justin Fox to formally conduct a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) as quickly as possible.
| Person: | Justin Fox, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | The Intercept Media, Inc. v. United States Department of Government Efficiency, doc 1 Court Document, 3/24/25 |
| Agency: | NEH |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
4/10/25
Disruption:
Most NEH staffers receive Reduction-in-Force (RIF) notices that their positions will be terminated on June 10th.
Disruption:
Most NEH staffers receive Reduction-in-Force (RIF) notices that their positions will be terminated on June 10th.
| Source: | The Intercept Media, Inc. v. United States Department of Government Efficiency, doc 1 Court Document, 3/24/25 |
| Agency: | NEH |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
4/11/25
Disruption:
Luke Farritor uses his admin access to lock out all government officials at multiple agencies from using grants.gov to issue new grants. Instead, all grants must now be sent to a new email address which will be reviewed by DOGE staffers before grants can be posted.
Disruption:
Luke Farritor uses his admin access to lock out all government officials at multiple agencies from using grants.gov to issue new grants. Instead, all grants must now be sent to a new email address which will be reviewed by DOGE staffers before grants can be posted.
| Person: | Luke Farritor |
| Source: | DOGE takes over federal grants website, wresting control of billions The Washington Post, 4/11/25 |
| Agency: | NEH |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
4/17/25
Official Action:
DOGE contacts the leadership of ACHP requesting a meeting for the following week with a new DOGE team that will be assigned to the agency.
Official Action:
DOGE contacts the leadership of ACHP requesting a meeting for the following week with a new DOGE team that will be assigned to the agency.
| Source: | DOGE has tried to embed beyond the executive branch. Some targets have pushed back National Public Radio, 5/20/25 |
| Agency: | ACHP |
4/18/25
Sighting:
DOGE staff reportedly meet with the leaders of the Smithsonian’s National Gallery of Art to discuss its legal status and funding. The National Gallery of Art is not an executive agency.
Sighting:
DOGE staff reportedly meet with the leaders of the Smithsonian’s National Gallery of Art to discuss its legal status and funding. The National Gallery of Art is not an executive agency.
| Question: | Fuzz: DOGE representatives not named |
| Source: | DOGE Visits National Gallery of Art to Discuss Museum’s Legal Status Bloomberg, 4/18/25 |
| Agency: | Nat Gallery |
4/23/25
Sighting:
After an initial video call, DOGE representatives arrive at the agency offices of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
Sighting:
After an initial video call, DOGE representatives arrive at the agency offices of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
| Source: | DOGE has tried to embed beyond the executive branch. Some targets have pushed back National Public Radio, 5/20/25 |
| Agency: | ACHP |
4/24/25
Disruption:
NEH posts a public solicitation of up to $17 million in grants total for statues in a “National Garden of American Heroes.” Such grants would normally be made by the NEA, which is also offering similar separate grants for this project. This is also unusual, in that most NEH grants are dispersed broadly across many projects and are rarely for more than $500,000.
Disruption:
NEH posts a public solicitation of up to $17 million in grants total for statues in a “National Garden of American Heroes.” Such grants would normally be made by the NEA, which is also offering similar separate grants for this project. This is also unusual, in that most NEH grants are dispersed broadly across many projects and are rarely for more than $500,000.
| Source: | The Intercept Media, Inc. v. United States Department of Government Efficiency, doc 1 Court Document, 3/24/25 |
| Agency: | NEH |
4/28/25
Disruption:
Three members of the board for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting receive an email from Trent Morse at the White House informing them that they have been fired. This renders the board inert without quorum.
Disruption:
Three members of the board for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting receive an email from Trent Morse at the White House informing them that they have been fired. This renders the board inert without quorum.
| Person: | Trent Morse |
| Source: | CPB v. Trump, doc 2-2 Court Document, 4/29/25 |
| Agency: | CPB |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
4/29/25
Legal:
Citing as evidence the harm inflicted by DOGE against the USIP, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting receives a temporary restraining order from a judge until its case can be heard in May.
Legal:
Citing as evidence the harm inflicted by DOGE against the USIP, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting receives a temporary restraining order from a judge until its case can be heard in May.
| Source: | Federal Court Halts Trump Move to Fire Three CPB Directors Radio Ink, 4/29/25 |
| Agency: | CPB |
Interagency Coordination:
Nate Cavanaugh sends an email to the two remaining members of the CPB board requesting a meeting. He describes a DOGE team at GSA and cc’s several other members of DOGE
Interagency Coordination:
Nate Cavanaugh sends an email to the two remaining members of the CPB board requesting a meeting. He describes a DOGE team at GSA and cc’s several other members of DOGE
| Person: | Jonathan Mendelson, Justin Aimonetti, Justin Fox, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | CPB v. Trump, doc 12-1 Court Document, 5/09/25 |
| Agency: | CPB |
5/01/25
Official Action:
Trump issues an executive order commanding that Corporation for Public Broadcasting should cease any financial support for PBS and NPR, despite CPB being an independent agency.
Official Action:
Trump issues an executive order commanding that Corporation for Public Broadcasting should cease any financial support for PBS and NPR, despite CPB being an independent agency.
| Source: | Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media Executive Office of the President, 5/01/25 |
| Agency: | CPB |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
5/02/25
Disruption:
Hundreds of arts groups across the country receive emails informing them that their grants from the NEA have been terminated. These emails originate from a generic arts.gov email address and arrive late on Friday hours after Trump proposes eliminating the agency in his budget.
Disruption:
Hundreds of arts groups across the country receive emails informing them that their grants from the NEA have been terminated. These emails originate from a generic
arts.gov email address and arrive late on Friday hours after Trump proposes eliminating the agency in his budget.
| Person: | Marshall Wood |
| Source: | Sweeping cuts hit NEA after Trump administration calls to eliminate the agency National Public Radio, 5/03/25 |
| Agency: | NEA |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
5/20/25
Action:
Justin Fox sends a message to the Acting Chair of NEH stating “Ringing to give you a heads-up that the DOGE team is planning to make an X post on NEH highlighting a few of the crazy DEI grants from Biden-era administration and reiterating that NEH grants going forward will be merit-based and awarded to nonDEI, pro-America causes”
Action:
Justin Fox sends a message to the Acting Chair of NEH stating “Ringing to give you a heads-up that the DOGE team is planning to make an X post on NEH highlighting a few of the crazy DEI grants from Biden-era administration and reiterating that NEH grants going forward will be merit-based and awarded to nonDEI, pro-America causes”
| Person: | Justin Fox |
| Source: | The Authors Guild/American Council of Learned Societies v. National Endowment for the Humanities, doc 248-2 Court Document, 3/06/26 |
| Agency: | NEH |
6/10/25
| Source: | Trump Administration Lays Off Two-Thirds of NEH’s Staff Art News, 6/13/25 |
| Agency: | NEH |
6/26/25
Official Action:
In an email to agency partners, the operators of grants.gov declare that the revised mechanism added in April that routed all Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) through a DOGE email address has been reversed. Instead, agencies are to return to using the tool like that did previously. This doesn’t necessarily mean that DOGE or political appointees will not be reviewing grants, but they have no longer locked other users out of the system.
Official Action:
In an email to agency partners, the operators of grants.gov declare that the revised mechanism added in April that routed all Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) through a DOGE email address has been reversed. Instead, agencies are to return to using the tool like that did previously. This doesn’t necessarily mean that DOGE or political appointees will not be reviewing grants, but they have no longer locked other users out of the system.
| Person: | Luke Farritor |
| Source: | DOGE loses control over government grants website, freeing up billions The Washington Post, 6/27/25 |
| Agency: | NEH |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
7/17/25
Disruption:
Congress passess a $9 billion recissions package that codifies DOGE cuts to foreign aid and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, despite concerns from Democrats and two Senate Republicans that its cuts are purposefully vague and undermine Congress’ role in the budget process.
Disruption:
Congress passess a $9 billion recissions package that codifies DOGE cuts to foreign aid and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, despite concerns from Democrats and two Senate Republicans that its cuts are purposefully vague and undermine Congress’ role in the budget process.
| Source: | Congress Agrees to Claw Back Foreign Aid and Public Broadcast Funds The New York Times, 7/17/25 |
| Agency: | CPB |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Spending |
8/01/25
Disruption:
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting issues a press release announcing that it has commenced an orderly wind-down due to the elimination of funding from both the recissions package as well as the budget for next year. A majority of staff will be let go on the September 30, 2026 with a small team retained for final closedown in January 2026. This is frankly a heartbreaking outcome for an agency that has served America for almost 60 years.
Disruption:
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting issues a press release announcing that it has commenced an orderly wind-down due to the elimination of funding from both the recissions package as well as the budget for next year. A majority of staff will be let go on the September 30, 2026 with a small team retained for final closedown in January 2026. This is frankly a heartbreaking outcome for an agency that has served America for almost 60 years.
| Source: | Corporation for Public Broadcasting Addresses Operations Following Loss of Federal Funding Corporation for Public Broadcasting, 8/01/25 |
| Agency: | CPB |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Anti-Personnel |
9/15/25
Official Action:
The National Endowment for the Humanities awards the largest single group in the agency’s history to a single group, granting $10.4 million to a conservative Jewish educational group, despite being rejected by the agency’s board over concerns the project was too partisan and the application too vague.
Official Action:
The National Endowment for the Humanities awards the largest single group in the agency’s history to a single group, granting $10.4 million to a conservative Jewish educational group, despite being rejected by the agency’s board over concerns the project was too partisan and the application too vague.
| Source: | Fired Scholars and Big Grants to Favored Projects: Inside Trump’s N.E.H. The New York Times, 11/15/25 |
| Agency: | NEH |
10/01/25
Disruption:
In an email sent to members of the National Council on the Humanities, the White House fires all the people on this board which advises the National Endowment for the Humanities
Disruption:
In an email sent to members of the National Council on the Humanities, the White House fires all the people on this board which advises the National Endowment for the Humanities
| Source: | Trump Fires Members of Humanities Council The New York Times, 10/01/25 |
| Agency: | NEH |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
10/29/25
Website:
The National Design Studio launches a new website safedc.gov for the admnistration’s new DC task force. It features a single page of large bold text on a black background with a large (possibly AI-generated) picture of Trump on patrol with agents, links to job listings on USA Jobs and an email sign-up form. Weirdly, the NDS header also includes a clock.
Website:
The National Design Studio launches a new website safedc.gov for the admnistration’s new DC task force. It features a single page of large bold text on a black background with a large (possibly AI-generated) picture of Trump on patrol with agents, links to job listings on USA Jobs and an email sign-up form. Weirdly, the NDS header also includes a clock.
| Source: | safedc.gov National Design Studio site, |
| Source: | "Design is in the White House" says America's first chief design officer Joe Gebbia Dezeen, 11/18/25 |
| Source: | SCOOP: Trump expands DC crime task force with hiring push of nationwide law enforcement FOX News, 10/29/25 |
| Agency: | CPB |
| DOGE Project: | IT Modernization |
1/05/26
Disruption:
The board of directors votes to formally dissolve the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, ending its 58 year history of providing funding for PBS, NPR and local TV and radio stations. This was the inevitable outcome after Congress codified the elimination of funding for the agency.
Disruption:
The board of directors votes to formally dissolve the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, ending its 58 year history of providing funding for PBS, NPR and local TV and radio stations. This was the inevitable outcome after Congress codified the elimination of funding for the agency.
| Source: | Corporation For Public Broadcasting Is Dissolved After 58 Years Of Service The Huffington Post, 1/05/26 |
| Agency: | CPB |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Anti-Personnel |
1/23/26
Legal:
Nate Cavanaugh testifies in a deposition related to American Council of Learned Societies v. NEH
Legal:
Nate Cavanaugh testifies in a deposition related to American Council of Learned Societies v. NEH
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Major Update in our NEH Lawsuit American Historical Association, 3/06/26 |
| Agency: | NEH |
1/28/26
Legal:
Justin Fox testifies in a deposition related to American Council of Learned Societies v. NEH. He states he has no access to NEH or GSA equipment and that all of the communications related to mass terminations at NEH were done on his GSA laptop. He also admits to communicating with DOGE staffers before and after hiring on Signal. He states that Anythony Armstrong specifically used Signal to send him messages related to DOGE leadership priorities, and that Anthony Armstrong was very focused about using Signal.
Legal:
Justin Fox testifies in a deposition related to American Council of Learned Societies v. NEH. He states he has no access to NEH or GSA equipment and that all of the communications related to mass terminations at NEH were done on his GSA laptop. He also admits to communicating with DOGE staffers before and after hiring on Signal. He states that Anythony Armstrong specifically used Signal to send him messages related to DOGE leadership priorities, and that Anthony Armstrong was very focused about using Signal.
| Person: | Justin Fox |
| Source: | Major Update in our NEH Lawsuit American Historical Association, 3/06/26 |
| Source: | The Authors Guild/American Council of Learned Societies v. National Endowment for the Humanities, doc 248-2 Court Document, 3/06/26 |
| Agency: | NEH |
2/13/26
Legal:
Ruling in American Council of Learned Societies/Authors Guild v. NEH, Judge Colleen McMahon rejects an argument by the government that a spreadsheet listing all of the DOGE staff and their positions and detailing arrangement must remain sealed for their personal safety. She orders them and a series of text messages made by DOGE staffers Nate Cavanaugh and Justin Fox must be entered into the record by February 17th.
Legal:
Ruling in American Council of Learned Societies/Authors Guild v. NEH, Judge Colleen McMahon rejects an argument by the government that a spreadsheet listing all of the DOGE staff and their positions and detailing arrangement must remain sealed for their personal safety. She orders them and a series of text messages made by DOGE staffers Nate Cavanaugh and Justin Fox must be entered into the record by February 17th.
| Person: | Justin Fox, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | The Authors Guild/American Council of Learned Societies v. National Endowment for the Humanities, doc 120 Court Document, 2/13/26 |
| Agency: | NEH |
Finance and Regulations
DOGE has also attempted to target several financial and trade regulatory agencies
2/18/25
Interagency Coordination:
Kendall Lindemann contacts the FCC on behalf of DOGE and Amy Gleason to start the process of detailing several DOGE staffers to the agency.
Interagency Coordination:
Kendall Lindemann contacts the FCC on behalf of DOGE and Amy Gleason to start the process of detailing several DOGE staffers to the agency.
| Person: | Amy Gleason, Kendall Lindemann |
| Source: | FCC FOIA Production 2 for Frequency Forward Document Cloud, 12/16/25 |
| Agency: | FCC |
3/12/25
Interagency Coordination:
Steve Davis sends an email to the FCC general counsel Adam Candeub introducing him to Tarak Makecha (whom he identifies as the Biz Lead) and Jordan Wick (software engineer). He follows up with Tarak and suggests chatting with him on his personal phone number (instead of an official government phone number).
Interagency Coordination:
Steve Davis sends an email to the FCC general counsel Adam Candeub introducing him to Tarak Makecha (whom he identifies as the Biz Lead) and Jordan Wick (software engineer). He follows up with Tarak and suggests chatting with him on his personal phone number (instead of an official government phone number).
| Person: | Jordan Wick, Steve Davis, Tarak Makecha |
| Source: | FCC FOIA Production 2 for Frequency Forward Document Cloud, 12/16/25 |
| Agency: | FCC |
3/13/25
Interagency Coordination:
Tarak Makecha, Joshua Fox, and Jacob Altik communicate with FCC staff about detailing arrangements from the OPM to the FCC (presumably for Tarak and Jacob)
Interagency Coordination:
Tarak Makecha, Joshua Fox, and Jacob Altik communicate with FCC staff about detailing arrangements from the OPM to the FCC (presumably for Tarak and Jacob)
| Person: | Jacob Altik, Joshua Fox, Tarak Makecha |
| Source: | FCC FOIA Production 2 for Frequency Forward Document Cloud, 12/16/25 |
| Agency: | FCC |
3/17/25
Interagency Coordination:
In a redacted email about onboarding Jordan Wick, Joshua Fox sends an email to other FCC staff introducing Kendall Lindemann as DOGE’s “onboarding/HR/personnel expert.”
Interagency Coordination:
In a redacted email about onboarding Jordan Wick, Joshua Fox sends an email to other FCC staff introducing Kendall Lindemann as DOGE’s “onboarding/HR/personnel expert.”
| Person: | Jordan Wick, Joshua Fox, Kendall Lindemann |
| Source: | FCC FOIA Production 2 for Frequency Forward Document Cloud, 12/16/25 |
| Agency: | FCC |
3/18/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| DOGE Detailed To: FCC Jacob Altik 3/18/25 | |
| Salary: | Volunteer |
| Source: | FOIA response from the FCC Frequency Forward, 8/25/25 |
| DOGE Detailed To: FCC Jordan Wick 3/18/25 | |
| Salary: | Volunteer |
| Source: | FOIA response from the FCC Frequency Forward, 8/25/25 |
| Source: | Detailing agreement from DOGE to FCC for Jordan Wick Document Cloud, |
| Source: | CFPB Response to FOIA About Jordan Wick Detail to FCC Muckrock, 10/15/25 |
| Note: | MOU for detail says from DOGE to FCC, but the text says he is also detailed from OPM which will bill for his services. Despite being a CFPB staffer, they reportedly have no information about his work for the FCC |
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| OPM Detailed To: FCC Tarak Makecha 3/18/25 | |
| Source: | FOIA response from the FCC Frequency Forward, 8/25/25 |
| Note: | listed self as detailing from OPM |
Onboarding:
Tarak Makecha, Jordan Wick and Jacob Altik are onboarded at the FCC. Jordan and Jacob are detailees while Tarak is listed as a consultant offering his services for free.
Onboarding:
Tarak Makecha, Jordan Wick and Jacob Altik are onboarded at the FCC. Jordan and Jacob are detailees while Tarak is listed as a consultant offering his services for free.
| Source: | FOIA response from the FCC Frequency Forward, 8/25/25 |
| Agency: | FCC |
3/28/25
Sighting:
SEC employees receive an email that the agency is beginning to onboard DOGE staff to review operations.
Sighting:
SEC employees receive an email that the agency is beginning to onboard DOGE staff to review operations.
| Source: | US Securities and Exchange Commission beginning to bring on DOGE staff, email says Reuters, 3/28/25 |
| Agency: | SEC |
c.3/28/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA? Detailed To: FTC Emily Bryant c.3/28/25 | |
| Source: | Scoop: DOGE staffers move into FTC office Axios, 4/04/25 |
| Note: | limited info, 2025-04-04 report stated she started "last week" |
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| OPM? Detailed To: FTC Gavin Kliger c.3/28/25 | |
| Source: | Scoop: DOGE staffers move into FTC office Axios, 4/04/25 |
4/01/25
Action:
Jordan Wick sends a data file of FCC orders to the Chief Counsel to review. In response, the counsel says “I have a quasi-personal FCC data issue I’d love to discuss over lunch (on me).”
Action:
Jordan Wick sends a data file of FCC orders to the Chief Counsel to review. In response, the counsel says “I have a quasi-personal FCC data issue I’d love to discuss over lunch (on me).”
| Person: | Jordan Wick |
| Source: | FCC FOIA Production 3 for Frequency Forward Document Cloud, 12/16/25 |
| Agency: | FCC |
4/04/25
Sighting:
Tarak Makecha, Jordan Wick and Jacob Altik are listed in the public directory of FCC staff and listed as associated with the Office of the Chairman at the FCC.
Sighting:
Tarak Makecha, Jordan Wick and Jacob Altik are listed in the public directory of FCC staff and listed as associated with the Office of the Chairman at the FCC.
| Person: | Jacob Altik, Jordan Wick, Tarak Makecha |
| Source: | DOGE staffers are listed in the FCC directory The Verge, 4/04/25 |
| Agency: | FCC |
Sighting:
Axios reports that Gavin Kliger and Emily Bryant have started work at the FTC, looking at grants and contracts at the agency.
Sighting:
Axios reports that Gavin Kliger and Emily Bryant have started work at the FTC, looking at grants and contracts at the agency.
| Person: | Emily Bryant, Gavin Kliger |
| Source: | Scoop: DOGE staffers move into FTC office Axios, 4/04/25 |
| Agency: | FTC |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
c.4/05/25
Appointed:
Eliezer Mishory starts as Senior Advisor at SEC.
Appointed:
Eliezer Mishory starts as Senior Advisor at SEC.
| : | Eliezer Mishory c.4/05/25-10/31/25 |
| Position Title: | Senior Advisor, Office of the Chairman |
| Source: | LinkedIn profile for Eliezer Mishory LinkedIn, |
| Source: | DOGE to leave top US markets regulator, sources say Reuters, 10/30/25 |
| Source: | US SEC officials push back as Musk's DOGE seeks broad access, source says Reuters, 4/15/25 |
4/08/25
Interagency Coordination:
Jacob Altik and Ashley Boizelle meet in the FCC headquarters with the Chief of Staff Greg Watson to discuss the FCC’s progress on removing regulations.
Interagency Coordination:
Jacob Altik and Ashley Boizelle meet in the FCC headquarters with the Chief of Staff Greg Watson to discuss the FCC’s progress on removing regulations.
| Person: | Ashley Boizelle, Jacob Altik, Jordan Wick, Tarak Makecha |
| Source: | FCC FOIA Production 2 for Frequency Forward Document Cloud, 12/16/25 |
| Agency: | FCC |
| DOGE Project: | Deregulation |
4/10/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| OPM? Detailed To: FDIC Anthony Armstrong 4/10/25 | |
| Source: | DOGE descends on FDIC The Handbasket, 4/10/25 |
| Note: | reported by media |
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| Ed.? Detailed To: FDIC Brooks Morgan 4/10/25 | |
| Source: | DOGE descends on FDIC The Handbasket, 4/10/25 |
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| DOGE? Detailed To: FDIC Adam Ramada 4/10/25 | |
| Source: | DOGE descends on FDIC The Handbasket, 4/10/25 |
Disruption:
A leaked OMB budget proposal memorandum propose major changes to the discretionary budget for the Department of Health and Human Services. Specifically, it includes cutting that budget by a third and also consolidating various health and safety-related agencies into a new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA) overseen by the HHS Secretary.
Disruption:
A leaked OMB budget proposal memorandum propose major changes to the discretionary budget for the Department of Health and Human Services. Specifically, it includes cutting that budget by a third and also consolidating various health and safety-related agencies into a new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA) overseen by the HHS Secretary.
| Source: | Recent Developments at the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Potential Changes and Implications National Law Review, 6/18/25 |
| Agency: | CPSC |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Anti-Personnel |
Sighting:
Brooks Morgan, Adam Ramada and Anthony Armstrong visit the FDIC headquarters. Their arrival is later confirmed for staff with an email stating they have not been granted access to any sensitive bank information.
Sighting:
Brooks Morgan, Adam Ramada and Anthony Armstrong visit the FDIC headquarters. Their arrival is later confirmed for staff with an email stating they have not been granted access to any sensitive bank information.
| Person: | Adam Ramada, Anthony Armstrong, Brooks Morgan |
| Source: | DOGE descends on FDIC The Handbasket, 4/10/25 |
| Agency: | FDIC |
4/15/25
Sighting:
Reports that SEC leadership has pushed back on DOGE requests to get admin access for staff emails, personnel data, contracts, and payments systems.
Sighting:
Reports that SEC leadership has pushed back on DOGE requests to get admin access for staff emails, personnel data, contracts, and payments systems.
| Person: | Eliezer Mishory |
| Source: | US SEC officials push back as Musk's DOGE seeks broad access, source says Reuters, 4/15/25 |
| Agency: | SEC |
| DOGE Project: | Anti-Personnel, Spending |
4/28/25
Action:
Jordan Wick sends an email to the FCC General Counsel asking for data on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews for cell phone tower installations. He then asks to meet with a technical contributor about the feasibility of adding a new feature to their review tracking software. Narrowing environmental review is a Trump administration priority.
Action:
Jordan Wick sends an email to the FCC General Counsel asking for data on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews for cell phone tower installations. He then asks to meet with a technical contributor about the feasibility of adding a new feature to their review tracking software. Narrowing environmental review is a Trump administration priority.
| Person: | Jordan Wick |
| Source: | FCC FOIA Production 3 for Frequency Forward Document Cloud, 12/16/25 |
| Agency: | FCC |
| DOGE Project: | Deregulation |
4/30/25
| Source: | Federal workers required to report their daily location, email says The Washington Post, 4/30/25 |
| Agency: | FEC |
| DOGE Project: | Anti-Personnel |
c.5/02/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA? Detailed To: SEC Jonathan Mendelson c.5/02/25-10/31/25 | |
| Position Title: | Senior Advisor, Chairman of the SEC |
| Source: | DOGE expands presence at Wall St regulator, sources say Reuters, 5/02/25 |
| Source: | DOGE to leave top US markets regulator, sources say Reuters, 10/30/25 |
| Note: | title sourced from ProPublica, reportedly not seen at agency for last few months of official station |
5/05/25
Interagency Coordination:
Ashley Boizelle mails the Chief of Staff (and head of the DOGE team) at FCC to ask how the agency handles outside comments on high-profile rulemakings and if they contract with an outside service.
Interagency Coordination:
Ashley Boizelle mails the Chief of Staff (and head of the DOGE team) at FCC to ask how the agency handles outside comments on high-profile rulemakings and if they contract with an outside service.
| Person: | Ashley Boizelle |
| Source: | FCC FOIA Production 2 for Frequency Forward Document Cloud, 12/16/25 |
| Agency: | FCC |
| DOGE Project: | Deregulation |
5/08/25
Disruption:
Trump abruptly fires three Democratic members of the board of the CPSC, eliminating quorum for the board and rendering the agency leadership inert.
Disruption:
Trump abruptly fires three Democratic members of the board of the CPSC, eliminating quorum for the board and rendering the agency leadership inert.
| Source: | Controversial OPM email server operates 'entirely' on government computers, agency says USA Today, 5/14/25 |
| Agency: | CPSC |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
Sighting:
Unnamed DOGE members are reportedly refused entry to the CPSC by its commissioners.
Sighting:
Unnamed DOGE members are reportedly refused entry to the CPSC by its commissioners.
| Source: | Controversial OPM email server operates 'entirely' on government computers, agency says USA Today, 5/14/25 |
| Agency: | CPSC |
5/09/25
Sighting:
With the board now fired, DOGE staff are granted access to the Consumer Product Safety Commission headquarters and onboarded into the agency.
Sighting:
With the board now fired, DOGE staff are granted access to the Consumer Product Safety Commission headquarters and onboarded into the agency.
| Source: | Controversial OPM email server operates 'entirely' on government computers, agency says USA Today, 5/14/25 |
| Agency: | CPSC |
5/14/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA? Detailed To: EXIM Nate Cavanaugh 5/14/25 | |
| Source: | Bluesky post by Marisa Kabas The Handbasket, 5/14/25 |
| Note: | Reported by media |
| GSA? Detailed To: EXIM Donald Park 5/14/25 | |
| Source: | Bluesky post by Marisa Kabas The Handbasket, 5/14/25 |
Sighting:
Nate Cavanaugh and Donald Park reportedly are assigned email addresses and reserved office space at the Export-Import Bank of the US.
Sighting:
Nate Cavanaugh and Donald Park reportedly are assigned email addresses and reserved office space at the Export-Import Bank of the US.
| Person: | Donald Park, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Bluesky post by Marisa Kabas The Handbasket, 5/14/25 |
| Agency: | EXIM |
5/20/25
Official Action:
Official Action:
| Source: | Regulation: US NRC Memo Outlines White House Interference Energy Intelligence, 6/06/25 |
| Agency: | NRC |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
5/21/25
Official Action:
A spokesperson for the NTSB confirmed that a DOGE team had recently been assigned to the agency to review its operations.
Official Action:
A spokesperson for the NTSB confirmed that a DOGE team had recently been assigned to the agency to review its operations.
| Source: | DOGE team assigned to review National Transportation Safety Board operations Reuters, 5/21/25 |
| Agency: | NTSB |
5/23/25
Official Action:
President Trump issues EO 14300, which orders the NRC to relax its regulatory oversight over the nuclear industry. It also demands that the agency must plan for a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) and realign its organizational priorities. Following the model used by the Trump Administration for other independent agencies, this is probably the prelude for DOGE to arrive at the agency.
Official Action:
President Trump issues EO 14300, which orders the NRC to relax its regulatory oversight over the nuclear industry. It also demands that the agency must plan for a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) and realign its organizational priorities. Following the model used by the Trump Administration for other independent agencies, this is probably the prelude for DOGE to arrive at the agency.
| Source: | EO 14300: Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission The American Presidency Project, 5/23/25 |
| Agency: | NRC |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity, Anti-Personnel |
c.6/02/25
Action:
In a meeting shortly after Trump signed executive orders relating to the NRC, DOGE staffer Adam Blake reportedly told the chair and top staff of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that they would be expected to “rubber stamp” any reactor designs which might be tested by the Department of Energy or the Department of Defense.
Action:
In a meeting shortly after Trump signed executive orders relating to the NRC, DOGE staffer Adam Blake reportedly told the chair and top staff of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that they would be expected to “rubber stamp” any reactor designs which might be tested by the Department of Energy or the Department of Defense.
| Question: | Fuzz: Meeting date just given as “early June” |
| Person: | Adam Blake |
| Source: | DOGE told regulator to ‘rubber stamp’ nuclear E&E News, 7/14/25 |
| Source: | How the NRC lost its independence E&E News, 2/17/26 |
| Agency: | NRC |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
6/16/25
Disruption:
White House Deputy Director Trent Morse sends a letter firing one of the five members of the board (and the only Biden appointee) for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Disruption:
White House Deputy Director Trent Morse sends a letter firing one of the five members of the board (and the only Biden appointee) for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
| Person: | Trent Morse |
| Source: | President Trump fires a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission National Public Radio, 6/16/25 |
| Agency: | NRC |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
6/30/25
Interagency Coordination:
Ashley Boizelle mails the Chief of Staff (and head of the DOGE team) at FCC for information about their deregulation work at the agency.
Interagency Coordination:
Ashley Boizelle mails the Chief of Staff (and head of the DOGE team) at FCC for information about their deregulation work at the agency.
| Person: | Ashley Boizelle |
| Source: | FCC FOIA Production 2 for Frequency Forward Document Cloud, 12/16/25 |
| Agency: | FCC |
| DOGE Project: | Deregulation |
6/XX/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| DOE Detailed To: NRC Seth Cohen 6/XX/25 | |
| Position Title: | Senior Advisor |
| Source: | LinkedIn profile for Seth Cohen LinkedIn, |
| Source: | DOGE Goes Nuclear: How Trump Invited Silicon Valley Into America’s Nuclear Power Regulator Pro Publica, 3/20/26 |
| Note: | Only given as some time in the summer of 2025 |
7/01/25
| Person: | Eliezer Mishory |
| Source: | Exclusive: DOGE now targeting SEC policy, eyes SPAC rules, sources say Reuters, 7/01/25 |
| Agency: | SEC |
| DOGE Project: | Deregulation |
7/11/25
Sighting:
In a written response to questions from the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the nominee to head the NRC reveals there is currently one DOGE staffer (reported as Adam Blake) detailed to the agency from the Department of Energy to reform the agency following the guidance in EO 14300.
Sighting:
In a written response to questions from the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the nominee to head the NRC reveals there is currently one DOGE staffer (reported as Adam Blake) detailed to the agency from the Department of Energy to reform the agency following the guidance in EO 14300.
| Person: | Adam Blake |
| Source: | DOGE staffer takes on Trump reform role at independent Nuclear Regulatory Commission The Hill, 7/11/25 |
| Agency: | NRC |
7/11/25?
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| DOE Detailed To: NRC Ankur Bansal 7/11/25? | |
| Position Title: | Senior Advisor |
| Source: | LinkedIn profile for Ankur Bansal LinkedIn, |
| Source: | DOGE Goes Nuclear: How Trump Invited Silicon Valley Into America’s Nuclear Power Regulator Pro Publica, 3/20/26 |
| Note: | guessing detail start similar to Adam Blake |
| DOE Detailed To: NRC Adam Blake 7/11/25? | |
| Source: | DOGE staffer takes on Trump reform role at independent Nuclear Regulatory Commission The Hill, 7/11/25 |
| Note: | In charge of implementing EO 14300 |
8/01/25
| Source: | SEC Creates Task Force to Tap Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Innovation and Efficiency Across the Agency Securities and Exchange Commission, 8/01/25 |
| Agency: | SEC |
| DOGE Project: | IT Modernization |
c.8/03/25
Interagency Coordination:
SEC leadership meets with DOGE representatives Jonathan Mendelson and Christopher Sweet to discuss using Sweet’s AI tool to identify regulations to cut or modify at the agency. It’s unclear if Sweet is detailed to the agency or just demonstrating the tool to SEC staff. Reportedly, agency staff then used the tool to identify thousands of regulations to cut. The list will then be reviewed by agency leadership and lawyers.
Interagency Coordination:
SEC leadership meets with DOGE representatives Jonathan Mendelson and Christopher Sweet to discuss using Sweet’s AI tool to identify regulations to cut or modify at the agency. It’s unclear if Sweet is detailed to the agency or just demonstrating the tool to SEC staff. Reportedly, agency staff then used the tool to identify thousands of regulations to cut. The list will then be reviewed by agency leadership and lawyers.
| Question: | Fuzz: Date given is “a short time after” the AI task force is created |
| Person: | Christopher Sweet, Jonathan Mendelson |
| Source: | DOGE Is Using AI to Target SEC Regulations for Cutting The Information, 9/01/25 |
| Agency: | SEC |
| DOGE Project: | Deregulation |
8/13/25
Interagency Coordination:
In a call hosted by the US CIO, DOGE team lead Scott Langmack shares info on an AI tool named SweetREX Deregulation AI Plan Builder developed by Christoper Sweet to review agency regulations for elimination. This is the same tool highlighted by DOGE in a presentation to the White House earlier in the month. Agency representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of State, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation are on the call. Steve Davis also was on the call despite having left DOGE and asked if the tool could be open-sourced.
Interagency Coordination:
In a call hosted by the US CIO, DOGE team lead Scott Langmack shares info on an AI tool named SweetREX Deregulation AI Plan Builder developed by Christoper Sweet to review agency regulations for elimination. This is the same tool highlighted by DOGE in a presentation to the White House earlier in the month. Agency representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of State, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation are on the call. Steve Davis also was on the call despite having left DOGE and asked if the tool could be open-sourced.
| Person: | Christopher Sweet, Scott Langmack, Steve Davis |
| Source: | A DOGE AI Tool Called SweetREX Is Coming to Slash US Government Regulation Wired Magazine, 8/14/25 |
| Agency: | FDIC |
| DOGE Project: | Deregulation, IT Modernization |
8/26/25
Legal:
Ruling in Burleigh v. FCC, Judge Amy Berman Jackson denies a preliminary injunction that would compel the FCC to make all documents about DOGE activities available for FOIA by October 10th. Nevertheless, the judge ordered DOGE to provide more details on its activities at the agency, expressing concern at the skimpy 35 pages of documentation that the agency had provided so far.
Legal:
Ruling in Burleigh v. FCC, Judge Amy Berman Jackson denies a preliminary injunction that would compel the FCC to make all documents about DOGE activities available for FOIA by October 10th. Nevertheless, the judge ordered DOGE to provide more details on its activities at the agency, expressing concern at the skimpy 35 pages of documentation that the agency had provided so far.
| Source: | Judge unhappy with FCC’s “vague and uninformative” response to DOGE lawsuit Ars Technica, 8/27/25 |
| Agency: | FCC |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
8/XX/25
Appointed:
David Taggart starts as Acting General Counsel at NRC.
Appointed:
David Taggart starts as Acting General Counsel at NRC.
| Appointed: | David Taggart 8/XX/25 |
| Position Title: | Acting General Counsel |
| Source: | DOGE Goes Nuclear: How Trump Invited Silicon Valley Into America’s Nuclear Power Regulator Pro Publica, 3/20/26 |
9/03/25
Oversight:
At a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee oversight hearing, Democratic members of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shared that they fear they could be fired by Trump for enforcing nuclear safety regulations. Under questioning, the NRC chair confirmed there was a meeting where NRC was told it would be expected to “rubber-stamp” any reactor designs approved by the Department of Energy or Department of Defense. NRC Chair David Wright also testified that there were currently 7 DOGE staffers at the agency. One of them has had prior experience at a nuclear plant and another, Adam Blake, did not have an NRC supervisor.
Oversight:
At a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee oversight hearing, Democratic members of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shared that they fear they could be fired by Trump for enforcing nuclear safety regulations. Under questioning, the NRC chair confirmed there was a meeting where NRC was told it would be expected to “rubber-stamp” any reactor designs approved by the Department of Energy or Department of Defense. NRC Chair David Wright also testified that there were currently 7 DOGE staffers at the agency. One of them has had prior experience at a nuclear plant and another, Adam Blake, did not have an NRC supervisor.
| Person: | Adam Blake |
| Source: | Dem NRC members warn they could be fired over safety decisions E&E News, 9/03/25 |
| Agency: | NRC |
10/30/25
Report:
The DOGE team at the SEC has reportedly wrapped up its work at the agency and will be exiting from its involvement at the regulator. Although multiple people have been part of DOGE’s efforts, only Eliezer Mishory has been spotted there in recent months
Report:
The DOGE team at the SEC has reportedly wrapped up its work at the agency and will be exiting from its involvement at the regulator. Although multiple people have been part of DOGE’s efforts, only Eliezer Mishory has been spotted there in recent months
| Person: | Eliezer Mishory |
| Source: | DOGE to leave top US markets regulator, sources say Reuters, 10/30/25 |
| Agency: | SEC |
10/31/25
Offboarding:
Jonathan Mendelson ends detailed position as Senior Advisor at SEC
Offboarding:
Jonathan Mendelson ends detailed position as Senior Advisor at SEC
| GSA? Detailed To: SEC Jonathan Mendelson c.5/02/25-10/31/25 | |
| Position Title: | Senior Advisor, Chairman of the SEC |
| Source: | DOGE expands presence at Wall St regulator, sources say Reuters, 5/02/25 |
| Source: | DOGE to leave top US markets regulator, sources say Reuters, 10/30/25 |
| Note: | title sourced from ProPublica, reportedly not seen at agency for last few months of official station |
Offboarding:
Eliezer Mishory leaves role as Senior Advisor at SEC
Offboarding:
Eliezer Mishory leaves role as Senior Advisor at SEC
| : | Eliezer Mishory c.4/05/25-10/31/25 |
| Position Title: | Senior Advisor, Office of the Chairman |
| Source: | LinkedIn profile for Eliezer Mishory LinkedIn, |
| Source: | DOGE to leave top US markets regulator, sources say Reuters, 10/30/25 |
| Source: | US SEC officials push back as Musk's DOGE seeks broad access, source says Reuters, 4/15/25 |
10/XX/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA? Detailed To: NRC Nicholas Gallagher 10/XX/25 | |
| Source: | DOGE Goes Nuclear: How Trump Invited Silicon Valley Into America’s Nuclear Power Regulator Pro Publica, 3/20/26 |
| Note: | Reportedly sent to keep an eye on new rules being developed by NRC |
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| EOP Detailed To: NRC Sydney Volanski 10/XX/25 | |
| Source: | DOGE Goes Nuclear: How Trump Invited Silicon Valley Into America’s Nuclear Power Regulator Pro Publica, 3/20/26 |
| Note: | Just mentioned as supervising new rules at NRC starting in October |
1/09/26
Official Action:
A memo from the Secretary of the Department of Energy orders the rollback of rules for nuclear safety that had been in place since the 1950s. The rule that required radiation leaks to be “as low as reasonably achievable” was seen as too costly for nuclear power startups and a blocker to the administration’s goal of getting 3 new advanced reactors started by July 4, 2026.
Official Action:
A memo from the Secretary of the Department of Energy orders the rollback of rules for nuclear safety that had been in place since the 1950s. The rule that required radiation leaks to be “as low as reasonably achievable” was seen as too costly for nuclear power startups and a blocker to the administration’s goal of getting 3 new advanced reactors started by July 4, 2026.
| Source: | DOE eliminates Eisenhower-era radiation standard to boost nuclear projects Politico Pro, 1/15/26 |
| Source: | DOGE Goes Nuclear: How Trump Invited Silicon Valley Into America’s Nuclear Power Regulator Pro Publica, 3/20/26 |
| Agency: | NRC |
| DOGE Project: | Deregulation |
National Science Foundation
The National Science Foundation has also found itself under the thumb of DOGE, with Luke Farritor leading a delegation of people from HHS to scrutinize all their funding. Their target is to cut all grant funding by 55%, which will have a catastrophic effect on science in America.
4/11/25
Disruption:
Luke Farritor uses his admin access to lock out all government officials at multiple agencies from using grants.gov to issue new grants. Instead, all grants must now be sent to a new email address which will be reviewed by DOGE staffers before grants can be posted.
Disruption:
Luke Farritor uses his admin access to lock out all government officials at multiple agencies from using grants.gov to issue new grants. Instead, all grants must now be sent to a new email address which will be reviewed by DOGE staffers before grants can be posted.
| Person: | Luke Farritor |
| Source: | DOGE takes over federal grants website, wresting control of billions The Washington Post, 4/11/25 |
| Agency: | NSF |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
4/14/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA? Detailed To: NSF Luke Farritor 4/14/25 | |
| Source: | How DOGE got into the National Science Foundation FedScoop, 4/22/25 |
| Note: | arrived at agency to do secondary round of grant reviews with other DOGE staff at HHS. |
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| HHS? Detailed To: NSF Rachel Riley 4/14/25 | |
| Position Title: | Consultant |
| Source: | How DOGE got into the National Science Foundation FedScoop, 4/22/25 |
| HHS Detailed To: NSF Zach Terrell 4/14/25 | |
| Position Title: | Consultant, Office of the Director |
| Source: | How DOGE got into the National Science Foundation FedScoop, 4/22/25 |
Sighting:
Three unidentified DOGE staffers show up at NSF headquarters, forcing all approved grants to go through a “secondary review.” They were later identified as Luke Farritor, Rachel Riley and Zach Terrell.
Sighting:
Three unidentified DOGE staffers show up at NSF headquarters, forcing all approved grants to go through a “secondary review.” They were later identified as Luke Farritor, Rachel Riley and Zach Terrell.
| Person: | Luke Farritor, Zach Terrell, Rachel Riley |
| Source: | NSF halts grant awards while staff do second review Science, 4/16/25 |
| Agency: | NSF |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
4/18/25
Disruption:
In retribution against Harvard University for rejecting demands from the Trump Administration on April 14th, the National Science Foundation begins rejecting scientific grants, stating they weren’t in alignment with current NSF priorities.
Disruption:
In retribution against Harvard University for rejecting demands from the Trump Administration on April 14th, the National Science Foundation begins rejecting scientific grants, stating they weren’t in alignment with current NSF priorities.
| Source: | DOGE Instructions and a White House Deadline: How the Government Canceled Harvard’s Grants The Harvard Crimson, 7/17/25 |
| Agency: | NSF |
| DOGE Project: | Anti-DEI, Spending |
4/22/25
Identification:
Three DOGE staffers are now at the National Science Foundation reviewing grants. Luke Farritor has a “Budget, Finance, and Administration” clearance, which a source said allows him to view and modify the agency’s funding opportunity system.
Identification:
Three DOGE staffers are now at the National Science Foundation reviewing grants. Luke Farritor has a “Budget, Finance, and Administration” clearance, which a source said allows him to view and modify the agency’s funding opportunity system.
| Person: | Luke Farritor, Zach Terrell, Rachel Riley |
| Source: | How DOGE got into the National Science Foundation FedScoop, 4/22/25 |
| Agency: | NSF |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
5/01/25
Interagency Coordination:
A glimpse of Luke Farritor’s visible calendar in a Fox News DOGE profile includes a “connect” with OMB about the National Science Foundation.
Interagency Coordination:
A glimpse of Luke Farritor’s visible calendar in a Fox News DOGE profile includes a “connect” with OMB about the National Science Foundation.
| Person: | Luke Farritor |
| Source: | DOGE-pilled Bloomberg, 7/29/25 |
| Agency: | NSF |
6/25/25
Disruption:
In a surprise move, the Republican governor of Virginia, the head of public buildings service at GSA and the Commissioner for HUD announce that they will be kicking out the National Science Foundation (NSF) from its Virginia headquarters and moving HUD to that location. There are no details provided on where NSF is expected to relocate to.
Disruption:
In a surprise move, the Republican governor of Virginia, the head of public buildings service at GSA and the Commissioner for HUD announce that they will be kicking out the National Science Foundation (NSF) from its Virginia headquarters and moving HUD to that location. There are no details provided on where NSF is expected to relocate to.
| Source: | HUD to move into the National Science Foundation headquarters, no current plan on where to relocate NSF employees GovExec, 6/25/25 |
| Agency: | NSF |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination |
6/26/25
Official Action:
In an email to agency partners, the operators of grants.gov declare that the revised mechanism added in April that routed all Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) through a DOGE email address has been reversed. Instead, agencies are to return to using the tool like that did previously. This doesn’t necessarily mean that DOGE or political appointees will not be reviewing grants, but they have no longer locked other users out of the system.
Official Action:
In an email to agency partners, the operators of grants.gov declare that the revised mechanism added in April that routed all Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) through a DOGE email address has been reversed. Instead, agencies are to return to using the tool like that did previously. This doesn’t necessarily mean that DOGE or political appointees will not be reviewing grants, but they have no longer locked other users out of the system.
| Person: | Luke Farritor |
| Source: | DOGE loses control over government grants website, freeing up billions The Washington Post, 6/27/25 |
| Agency: | NSF |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
7/22/25
| Source: | Amid Fear of Retaliation, N.S.F. Workers Sign Letter of Dissent The New York Times, 7/22/25 |
| Agency: | NSF |
| DOGE Project: | Anti-Personnel, Spending |
Service Organizations
Service organizations have also been a focus of the Trump Administration’s ire. Recently, there have been moves to shut down the funding and staffing for the Peace Corps and the AmeriCorps, with vague allegations of fraud used as a cover for sweeping reductions.
4/03/25
Interagency Coordination:
A human resources division chief at the Peace Corps reports receiving two phone calls in quick succession. The first was from a Senior Advisor at OPM who also claimed to be a liasion for the White House, reporting that a DOGE representative would be detailed from USAID. The second was from a woman detailed to DOGE from GSA, who stated she was originally going to be detailed to USAID but will now be in a leadership position short term. She is not identified but is likely Bridget Youngs.
Interagency Coordination:
A human resources division chief at the Peace Corps reports receiving two phone calls in quick succession. The first was from a Senior Advisor at OPM who also claimed to be a liasion for the White House, reporting that a DOGE representative would be detailed from USAID. The second was from a woman detailed to DOGE from GSA, who stated she was originally going to be detailed to USAID but will now be in a leadership position short term. She is not identified but is likely Bridget Youngs.
| Person: | Bridget Youngs |
| Source: | FOIA response from the Peace Corps to Jason Leopold BusinessWeek, 11/14/25 |
| Agency: | Peace |
4/04/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| DOL Detailed To: Peace Bridget Youngs 4/04/25 | |
| Source: | Doge eyes cuts to Peace Corps with in-person visit and records access The Guardian, 4/04/25 |
| Note: | unknown who this is and if sent to other agencies |
Onboarding:
In a heavily redacted email, a DOGE member (likely Bridget Youngs) reports that they will likely be the only person on-site, but requests that 4 names total should be granted physical access to the building
Onboarding:
In a heavily redacted email, a DOGE member (likely Bridget Youngs) reports that they will likely be the only person on-site, but requests that 4 names total should be granted physical access to the building
| Person: | Bridget Youngs |
| Source: | FOIA response from the Peace Corps to Jason Leopold BusinessWeek, 11/14/25 |
| Agency: | Peace |
Sighting:
DOGE staffer Bridget Youngs visits the Peace Corps, planning to work over the weeked to review records and access IT systems.
Sighting:
DOGE staffer Bridget Youngs visits the Peace Corps, planning to work over the weeked to review records and access IT systems.
| Person: | Bridget Youngs |
| Source: | FOIA response from the Peace Corps to Jason Leopold BusinessWeek, 11/14/25 |
| Source: | Doge eyes cuts to Peace Corps with in-person visit and records access The Guardian, 4/04/25 |
| Agency: | Peace |
4/10/25
Interagency Coordination:
AmeriCorps’ acting director submits a plan to the OPM and OMB proposing a 50% cut in the agency workforce.
Interagency Coordination:
AmeriCorps’ acting director submits a plan to the OPM and OMB proposing a 50% cut in the agency workforce.
| Source: | Democrats seize on volatility of Trump trade policies The Washington Post, 4/10/25 |
| Agency: | AmeriCorps |
| DOGE Project: | Anti-Personnel |
4/16/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA Detailed To: AmeriCorps Nate Cavanaugh 4/16/25 | |
| Source: | The Authors Guild/American Council of Learned Societies v. National Endowment for the Humanities, doc 248-1 Court Document, 3/06/26 |
Disruption:
Agency staff at AmeriCorps are placed on immediate administrative leave and banned from accessing agency systems.
Disruption:
Agency staff at AmeriCorps are placed on immediate administrative leave and banned from accessing agency systems.
| Source: | AmeriCorps staff members placed on leave after DOGE visit The Washington Post, 4/16/25 |
| Agency: | AmeriCorps |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Anti-Personnel |
4/25/25
Disruption:
DOGE staff within AmeriCorps start terminating roughly $400 million in grants (roughly 41% of the total grant funding) to 1,031 organizations across America. The reason given is that the grant “no longer effectuates agency priorities.”
Disruption:
DOGE staff within AmeriCorps start terminating roughly $400 million in grants (roughly 41% of the total grant funding) to 1,031 organizations across America. The reason given is that the grant “no longer effectuates agency priorities.”
| Source: | DOGE orders major cut to AmeriCorps funding, imperiling agency’s work The Washington Post, 4/25/25 |
| Agency: | AmeriCorps |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
4/28/25
Disruption:
The head of a Peace Corps alumni group reports he had been told the agency is expecting large cuts in US staffing, as ordered by DOGE.
Disruption:
The head of a Peace Corps alumni group reports he had been told the agency is expecting large cuts in US staffing, as ordered by DOGE.
| Source: | Peace Corps, Under Review by DOGE, Is Said to Plan ‘Significant’ Staff Cuts The New York Times, 4/28/25 |
| Agency: | Peace |
| DOGE Project: | Anti-Personnel |
5/09/25
Sighting:
DOGE staff reportedly met with Peace Corps leadership to discuss staffing cuts and expected resignations.
Sighting:
DOGE staff reportedly met with Peace Corps leadership to discuss staffing cuts and expected resignations.
| Source: | DOGE has tried to embed beyond the executive branch. Some targets have pushed back National Public Radio, 5/20/25 |
| Agency: | Peace |
| DOGE Project: | Anti-Personnel |
7/22/25
Disruption:
After losing its grant on May 28, Oregon’s Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) is forced to end many of its programs that served rural communities in the state.
Disruption:
After losing its grant on May 28, Oregon’s Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) is forced to end many of its programs that served rural communities in the state.
| Source: | DOGE Cuts Debilitate Rural Oregon’s AmeriCorps Program The Daily Yonder, 7/22/25 |
| Agency: | AmeriCorps |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
2/20/26
Official Action:
Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, White House OSTP Director Micheal Kratsios announces that the Peace Corps will launch a new Tech Corps initiative to promote AI worldwide. Volunteers will be deployed to countries participating in the American AI Exports Program, service for 12-27 months overseas. The launch includes a new site for signups that looks like it was developed by the National Design Studio.
Official Action:
Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, White House OSTP Director Micheal Kratsios announces that the Peace Corps will launch a new Tech Corps initiative to promote AI worldwide. Volunteers will be deployed to countries participating in the American AI Exports Program, service for 12-27 months overseas. The launch includes a new site for signups that looks like it was developed by the National Design Studio.
| Person: | Michael Kratsios |
| Source: | Peace Corps launches Tech Corps initiative Peace Corps, 2/20/26 |
| Agency: | Peace |
| DOGE Project: | IT Modernization |
Legislative Branch Agencies
In one of DOGE’s most bizarre turns, thet have attempted to embed DOGE teams into the Library of Congress and Government Accountability Office (GAO). The problem is that both of these are legislative branch agencies and thus well outside the authority of DOGE to police them or shut them down.
5/13/25
Sighting:
Justin Fox emails GAO (cc’ing Nate Cavanaugh) to schedule a call to get a DOGE team assigned to the GAO. This is despite the GAO being located in the legislative branch and thus not answerable to the President.
Sighting:
Justin Fox emails GAO (cc’ing Nate Cavanaugh) to schedule a call to get a DOGE team assigned to the GAO. This is despite the GAO being located in the legislative branch and thus not answerable to the President.
| Person: | Justin Fox, Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | DOGE has tried to embed beyond the executive branch. Some targets have pushed back National Public Radio, 5/20/25 |
| Agency: | GAO |
5/16/25
Official Action:
A GAO spokesman confirms that DOGE had attempted to assign a team to the agency but had been rebuffed by agency leadership.
Official Action:
A GAO spokesman confirms that DOGE had attempted to assign a team to the agency but had been rebuffed by agency leadership.
| Source: | DOGE Seeks to Investigate Another Government Budget Watchdog The New York Times, 5/16/25 |
| Agency: | GAO |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
### Merit System Protection Board {#mspb}
Finally, DOGE has picked up its original mission of harrassing federal workers by attempting to shut down the Merit System Protection Board (MSPB), which ensures that government personnel rules are fairly enforced.
5/16/25
Sighting:
Staff at the MSPB receive an email informing them that Nate Cavanaugh will be onboarded on May 21 as a detailee “from DOGE” and that he is expected to spend several weeks reviewing contracts and spending. He will be working remotely.
Sighting:
Staff at the MSPB receive an email informing them that Nate Cavanaugh will be onboarded on May 21 as a detailee “from DOGE” and that he is expected to spend several weeks reviewing contracts and spending. He will be working remotely.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh |
| Source: | Bluesky post by Marisa Kabas The Handbasket, 5/16/25 |
| Agency: | MSPB |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
5/21/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA? Detailed To: MSPB Nate Cavanaugh 5/21/25 | |
| Source: | Bluesky post by Marisa Kabas The Handbasket, 5/16/25 |
| Note: | Email cited mentioned he was from DOGE, but assuming detail from GSA |
Everybody Else
2/07/25
Disruption:
President Trump dismisses the Archivist of the United States, the head of the National Archives and the chief official responsible for preserving government records. Marco Rubio is named the Acting Archivist.
Disruption:
President Trump dismisses the Archivist of the United States, the head of the National Archives and the chief official responsible for preserving government records. Marco Rubio is named the Acting Archivist.
| Person: | Marco Rubio |
| Source: | Trump fires archivist of the United States, official who oversees government records CBS News, 2/07/25 |
| Source: | Rubio named acting director of another US government agency: report FOX News, 2/06/25 |
| Agency: | NARA |
| DOGE Project: | Impunity |
2/16/25
Appointed:
Marco Rubio starts as Acting Archivist at NARA.
Appointed:
Marco Rubio starts as Acting Archivist at NARA.
| Appointed: | Marco Rubio 2/16/25 |
| Position Title: | Acting Archivist |
| Source: | Trump Fired the Archivist of the United States Washington Monthly, 3/05/25 |
| Source: | Acting archivist, inspector general for National Archives forced out The Washington Post, 2/16/25 |
3/22/25?
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA? Detailed To: MCC Nate Cavanaugh 3/22/25? | |
| Source: | DOGE has tried to embed beyond the executive branch. Some targets have pushed back National Public Radio, 5/20/25 |
| Note: | Linked to MCC by NPR, start date guessed from disruption there |
| GSA? Detailed To: MCC Justin Fox 3/22/25? | |
| Source: | The Authors Guild/American Council of Learned Societies v. National Endowment for the Humanities, doc 248-2 Court Document, 3/06/26 |
| Source: | DOGE has tried to embed beyond the executive branch. Some targets have pushed back National Public Radio, 5/20/25 |
| Note: | Linked to MCC by NPR, start date guessed from disruption there |
| GSA Detailed To: MCC Jack Stein 3/22/25? | |
| Source: | The Authors Guild/American Council of Learned Societies v. National Endowment for the Humanities, doc 248-2 Court Document, 3/06/26 |
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| DOGE? Detailed To: MCC Joshua Fox 3/22/25? | |
| Source: | Elon Musk’s Demolition Crew Pro Publica Projects, |
| Note: | Linked to agency by ProPublica |
c.4/07/25
Sighting:
Nate Cavanaugh and Justin Fox begin holding a series of meetings with MCC leadership. Following the DOGE pattern for small independent agencies, this process eventually culminates in termination of all grants and mass layoffs.
Sighting:
Nate Cavanaugh and Justin Fox begin holding a series of meetings with MCC leadership. Following the DOGE pattern for small independent agencies, this process eventually culminates in termination of all grants and mass layoffs.
| Question: | Fuzz: exact date not given, just in “last two weeks” |
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh, Justin Fox |
| Source: | DOGE is shutting down foreign aid agency Millennium Challenge Corporation Politico, 4/23/25 |
| Agency: | MCC |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Spending |
4/11/25
Disruption:
Luke Farritor uses his admin access to lock out all government officials at multiple agencies from using grants.gov to issue new grants. Instead, all grants must now be sent to a new email address which will be reviewed by DOGE staffers before grants can be posted.
Disruption:
Luke Farritor uses his admin access to lock out all government officials at multiple agencies from using grants.gov to issue new grants. Instead, all grants must now be sent to a new email address which will be reviewed by DOGE staffers before grants can be posted.
| Person: | Luke Farritor |
| Source: | DOGE takes over federal grants website, wresting control of billions The Washington Post, 4/11/25 |
| Agency: | NARA |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
4/22/25
Report:
Staff at the Millennium Challenge Corporation are informed that DOGE has directed the termination of all grants and the reduction of the staff from 320 to a few dozen.
Report:
Staff at the Millennium Challenge Corporation are informed that DOGE has directed the termination of all grants and the reduction of the staff from 320 to a few dozen.
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh, Justin Fox |
| Source: | DOGE dismantling foreign aid agency started by George W. Bush National Public Radio, 4/24/25 |
| Agency: | MCC |
| DOGE Project: | Elimination, Spending |
Sighting:
THe U.S. Access Board reports that the agency had a cordial meeting with DOGE and that additional meetings are expected in the future
Sighting:
THe U.S. Access Board reports that the agency had a cordial meeting with DOGE and that additional meetings are expected in the future
| Source: | DOGE has tried to embed beyond the executive branch. Some targets have pushed back National Public Radio, 5/20/25 |
| Agency: | Access Brd |
4/28/25
Detailed To:
Detailed To:
| GSA? Detailed To: DFC Nate Cavanaugh 4/28/25 | |
| Source: | DOGE targets US foreign aid agency created under first Trump administration Politico, 4/28/25 |
| Note: | Spotted by media |
| GSA? Detailed To: DFC Jonathan Mendelson 4/28/25 | |
| Source: | DOGE targets US foreign aid agency created under first Trump administration Politico, 4/28/25 |
| GSA? Detailed To: DFC Ethan Shaotran 4/28/25 | |
| Source: | DOGE targets US foreign aid agency created under first Trump administration Politico, 4/28/25 |
| GSA Detailed To: DFC Marshall Wood 4/28/25 | |
| Source: | DOGE targets US foreign aid agency created under first Trump administration Politico, 4/28/25 |
Sighting:
A team of 4 DOGE personnel – Nate Cavanaugh, Jonathan Mendelson, Ethan Shaotran and Marshall Wood – arrive at the headquarters of the US International Development Finance Corporation
Sighting:
A team of 4 DOGE personnel – Nate Cavanaugh, Jonathan Mendelson, Ethan Shaotran and Marshall Wood – arrive at the headquarters of the US International Development Finance Corporation
| Person: | Nate Cavanaugh, Jonathan Mendelson, Ethan Shaotran, Marshall Wood |
| Source: | DOGE targets US foreign aid agency created under first Trump administration Politico, 4/28/25 |
| Agency: | DFC |
6/26/25
Official Action:
In an email to agency partners, the operators of grants.gov declare that the revised mechanism added in April that routed all Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) through a DOGE email address has been reversed. Instead, agencies are to return to using the tool like that did previously. This doesn’t necessarily mean that DOGE or political appointees will not be reviewing grants, but they have no longer locked other users out of the system.
Official Action:
In an email to agency partners, the operators of grants.gov declare that the revised mechanism added in April that routed all Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) through a DOGE email address has been reversed. Instead, agencies are to return to using the tool like that did previously. This doesn’t necessarily mean that DOGE or political appointees will not be reviewing grants, but they have no longer locked other users out of the system.
| Person: | Luke Farritor |
| Source: | DOGE loses control over government grants website, freeing up billions The Washington Post, 6/27/25 |
| Agency: | NARA |
| DOGE Project: | Spending |
6/27/25
Disruption:
The government of Kosovo announces that it has not received any notification about the shuttering of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, despite reports of its closure in April.
Disruption:
The government of Kosovo announces that it has not received any notification about the shuttering of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, despite reports of its closure in April.
| Source: | The government says it has not received official notification of the closure of the MCC. Koha, 6/27/25 |
| Agency: | MCC |