A new directive from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is setting the stage for a significant shift in how federal technology leaders are selected, expanding the role of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The memo, issued on Feb. 4, calls for chief information officer (CIO) positions across federal agencies to transition from career-reserved roles to general positions, making them eligible for political appointments.
This change comes as the Trump administration works to streamline government technology operations. Federal agencies have until Feb. 14 to submit requests to OPM for the reclassification of their CIO roles, a move aimed at ensuring IT leadership is aligned with administration priorities. The memo outlines the responsibilities of these new CIOs, including procurement oversight and cybersecurity improvements, while deprioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
DOGE, a restructured version of the U.S. Digital Service, has been at the forefront of these changes. The office is tasked with reducing inefficiencies in a government IT sector valued at approximately $163 billion. Historically, federal technology management has been scattered across multiple agencies, leading to billions spent on outside contractors. The Trump administration, with the backing of entrepreneur Elon Musk, has sought to centralize these efforts under DOGE.
The move has not gone unnoticed. Federal employees and Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the shift, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calling it a “coup.” Protests have erupted outside OPM headquarters, as career officials warn that replacing CIOs with political appointees could undermine the impartiality of government operations. Additionally, federal workers reported receiving emails offering eight months of pay to resign, a development that has further fueled tensions.
Adding to the controversy, a lawsuit has been filed against the Treasury Department over allegations that DOGE representatives were given access to sensitive financial and personal records. The suit, led by labor unions, accuses Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent of allowing DOGE personnel to view Social Security numbers, banking information, and other private data. A judge has issued a temporary order blocking DOGE’s access while the case proceeds.
Despite these challenges, Musk and former DOGE co-lead Vivek Ramaswamy continue to advocate for overhauling federal IT practices. Musk has argued that government-wide procurement policies must be reformed to eliminate waste, while Ramaswamy has pointed to long-standing inefficiencies in how agencies manage data. The Trump administration remains committed to its plans, as DOGE solidifies its role within federal agencies.
