The Transformation of U.S. Digital Services into the DOGE Service
On January 20, a significant shift occurred within the landscape of U.S. technology services when President Donald Trump signed an executive order that transformed the U.S. Digital Service (USDS) into what is now the United States DOGE Service. This rebranding sparked a cascade of changes, including the departure of many long-standing team members who had been dedicated to enhancing the government’s technology systems.
Emergence of We the Builders
In the aftermath of this transition, a group of former USDS employees banded together to form We the Builders, an organization aimed at supporting federal workers navigating this difficult period. Kate Green, the organization’s leader, indicated that their mission extends beyond mere support. "We are a storytelling organization who’s supporting federal workers but also trying to explain the moment," she shared during an interview with Nextgov/FCW. Since stepping away from her role at USDS in the fall of 2024, Green has become a vocal advocate for her peers and the ethical use of technology in governance.
A Strong Digital Presence
The We the Builders website is crafted using the same design system employed by various federal government websites. It reinforces their commitment to the principles of good governance. A powerful message on the site reads, “We built the tools millions of Americans use every single day to access government services… If they really wanted to know how to use technology to build a more efficient country, they would ask us. But they haven’t. They are destroyers. We are the builders.” This striking dichotomy sets the tone for their mission, emphasizing their value in the tech landscape.
A Response to Workforce Cuts
Since the onset of “Trump 2.0,” as some have called the current administration, significant cuts have been made to the federal workforce. The technology professionals who transitioned from USDS to DOGE found themselves among those laid off. In addition, the shuttering of the government’s internal tech consultancy, 18F, in March only added to the uncertainty. Amid these challenges, We the Builders seeks to offer a beacon of hope and a platform for collaboration.
The Controversies Surrounding DOGE
The DOGE initiative hasn’t been without controversy. Concerns have arisen regarding its handling of government data and technology infrastructure. Elon Musk, who has taken the lead on DOGE’s initiatives, candidly remarked, "What we have here are a bunch of failing computer systems that are preventing people from receiving their benefits… and we’re fixing it." However, this aggressive stance has drawn skepticism. Green has voiced her concerns, stating, “I agree that there are pieces of the government that aren’t efficient… But I disagree with the Silicon Valley approach of move fast and break things.” This reflection captures the tension between transformative ambition and responsible governance.
Engaging the Broader Community
In a bid to engage more effectively with federal employees, We the Builders has established a presence on the social media platform Bluesky under the banner ALT US Digital Service, which they describe as "the official resistance team of the U.S. Digital Service." In this digital arena, they stand alongside various other #AltGov accounts representing organizations such as NASA and the Department of Defense. Their efforts reflect a collective aim to empower federal workers and promote transparency in government operations.
Collaborations and Resource Sharing
The collaboration doesn’t end with We the Builders; former employees of 18F have started their own website, hosting resources like blog archives from the now-defunct tech consultancy. This network of former federal workers emphasizes an ongoing commitment to information sharing and community building. Green notes that We the Builders is working alongside these groups to ensure that they remain prepared to rebuild when the tide shifts—and the opportunity arises—for more responsible governance and technology use.
The Path Ahead
In pursuit of long-term viability, We the Builders is working to establish itself as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Currently, they operate under the auspices of the Good Trouble Project, a nonprofit that supports their mission. Fundraising initiatives are on the horizon, which will provide necessary resources for their ongoing efforts.
For Kate Green, the endeavor is profoundly personal. “I’m getting to see people have hope at a time when everything feels like it’s falling over,” she reflects. In a time of upheaval, the spirit of community and resilience embodied by We the Builders serves as a counterbalance to the chaos, reinforcing the importance of dedicated service to the American public.
