Former DOGE Staffer Exposes Challenges of Government Reform Under Elon Musk

Fired DOGE staffer: ‘We didn’t find any examples of fraud’ Washington, D.C. – A former software engineer and senior advisor for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Sahil Lavíngia, recently shared his experience working under Elon Musk. In a PBS NewsHour interview, Lavíngia described his 55-day tenure, focusing on his work reviewing government contracts and contributing to workforce reduction efforts. Lavingia's account offers a glimpse into the inner workings of DOGE and the challenges of streamlining government operations. "Shipping software for the federal government was always going to be a big uphill battle," Lavíngia stated, reflecting on the difficulties he encountered. He noted that the process for veterans' disability claims was incredibly slow, taking 133 days to process a claim. Despite his efforts, Lavíngia found no evidence of fraud within the department, adding, "We didn't find any examples of fraud, meaning someone who broke the law and was getting money they shouldn't have been getting." The interview also highlights Elon Musk's recent departure from DOGE and his public criticism of a Congressional spending bill. Lavíngia's perspective provides valuable context to the ongoing debate about government efficiency and accountability. His account underscores the complexities of reforming large bureaucratic systems and the need for transparency and improved processes.