What is the Ministry of Government Efficiency or Dog? – a public radio in South Carolina

An office empowered by President Trump to make major changes to the federal government is already moving quickly, but critics question the legality of some of his actions.

The Ministry of Government Efficiency or Dog was created by Trump through an executive order on its first day back to office. Trump has led the Tech Billionaire and advisor Elon Musk and vowed to use the unit to reduce government waste and reduce federal regulations.

But Dog also draws the wrath of some Democrats and challenges many legal challenges.

Here’s what you need to know.

What exactly is Doca?

Trump did not set up a new cabinet level with Dodge, but rather renamed the previously existing digital service of the United States, which was created by former President Barack Obama.

This office started in 2014 to improve the digital capacity of the federal government after the rock presentation of the Healthcare.gov website.

Trump’s order also moves the company from the management and budget office to the President’s Executive Service and directs him to modernize the technology and software in the federal government.

Musk runs the unit, and NPR reported that several young silicone engineers have joined its team.

Is it legal?

Some Democrats have condemned the wide width and access to Dodge. On Monday, Senate’s minority leader Chuck Sumer said that “before our eyes, an unauthorized shadow government is hostile to the federal government.”

Dog was the subject of a court case brought on the day created by a group of organizations questioning the legality of the new entity, including the public civil group for consumer advocacy, the State Fund for the Protection of Democracy and the US Federation of Government, Union representing about 800,000 state workers.

The plaintiffs argue that DOCE is a type of consultative committee that must be subject to certain federal rules, including transparency requirements.

According to the White House press center, Carolyn Levitic, Musk is what is known as a “special civil servant”, a temporary meeting that allows him to work 130 days a year. This means that it is subject to various rules for ethics and disclosure by regular federal employees.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request that seeks more information about DOG.

What does Dog?

Musk said Dodge is already working on the exclusion of USAID, the main humanitarian agency and assistance in the development of the US government.

The decision to examine a check of six decades of organization-who Musk said he had made with the approval of Trump-E welcomed by some Republicans, but received discounts from the Democrats.

Reporter Jamie Raskin, Democrat from Maryland, told the NPR that the Trump administration would need congress approval to close the USAID.

Doge also has access to the Ministry of Finance’s payment system, which the government uses to reduce the checks of everyone, from social security beneficiaries to state -owned contractors.

This move has caused another case from advocacy groups and unions claiming that DOG’s access to the Database of the Ministry of Finance violates federal confidentiality laws.

On Monday, Trump said Musk had access only to release the people he thinks are not good if we agree with him. ”

“Elon cannot do and will do nothing without our approval. And we will give him approval when it is appropriate, when it is not appropriate that we do not have,” Trump said. “Where we think there is a conflict or a problem, we will not let it approach it.”

Doge employees are also working with the Trump administration for potentially drastic cuts from the Ministry of Education, NPR reported.

Stephen Fowler, Bobby Alin and Shannon Bond have contributed to reporting.

Copyright 2025 NPR