The entire staff of the Defense Digital Service (DDS)—the Pentagon’s elite tech task force—has tendered its resignation. The mass departure, set to take effect by the end of April, comes amid rising tensions with a recently formed federal unit, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by entrepreneur Elon Musk.
The Emergence of DOGE
Established in early 2025 under a push for government reform, DOGE was created with the objective of overhauling federal agencies, cutting costs, and eliminating what it described as redundant and inefficient programs. Elon Musk was tapped to lead the initiative, bringing with him the disruptive and fast-paced strategies that have defined his corporate ventures.
Since its inception, DOGE has moved aggressively, canceling multi-billion-dollar technology contracts with top consulting firms and launching internal reviews of digital service teams across departments. Its leadership has focused on consolidating operations, emphasizing lean management, and directing resources to high-priority defense projects.
What is the Defense Digital Service?
The DDS was launched in 2015 with a mission to bring Silicon Valley-style innovation to the Department of Defense. Often described as a “SWAT team of nerds,” the unit developed tools for military use, improved cybersecurity infrastructure, and supported crucial missions, including the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan and logistical support for foreign aid programs.
The unit was unique in its structure—small, agile, and staffed by experts from tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft who took temporary assignments in public service. Their approach was iterative, user-focused, and grounded in problem-solving rather than bureaucracy.
The Fallout
Tensions began to rise earlier this year as DOGE initiated a restructuring plan that would effectively dissolve the DDS into a broader digital oversight body, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office. The plan removed the DDS’s autonomy and sidelined its leadership from decision-making.
Jennifer Hay, the current director of DDS, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the trajectory of the department. In internal discussions, she and her team acknowledged that they could either “die quickly or die slowly” under the new regime, ultimately choosing to exit on their own terms.
The 13-member team cited growing frustration over a lack of clarity, loss of mission control, and philosophical disagreements with DOGE’s leadership. Where DDS prioritized careful design, user experience, and stability, DOGE’s methods were seen as hasty and dismissive of operational realities.
Broader Impact Across Government
This isn’t the first instance of discontent under DOGE’s leadership. Earlier this year, more than 20 technologists from the U.S. Digital Service, another high-profile federal tech unit, also resigned. They raised concerns about rushed policy implementations and disregard for the consequences on long-standing government systems.
Within the Pentagon and beyond, questions are emerging about how deeply DOGE’s changes will reshape federal operations. While the goal of increased efficiency is largely welcomed, the methods have drawn criticism for their disruptive nature and potential to undermine institutional knowledge.
What’s at Stake?
The resignation of the DDS team creates a gap at a time when national security and technological innovation are more intertwined than ever. With threats evolving rapidly in cyberspace and geopolitics, experts argue that the U.S. cannot afford to lose experienced digital talent in its defense apparatus.
There are also concerns about continuity. With DDS gone, projects involving military logistics, cybersecurity enhancements, and civilian tech outreach may face delays or disruptions unless adequately absorbed by DOGE or other Pentagon units.
Moving Forward
As DOGE continues to assert its influence, the resignation of DDS may serve as a cautionary tale about the limits of top-down disruption. Efficiency, many argue, cannot come at the cost of erasing valuable expertise or alienating public service professionals.
For now, DOGE remains firm on its course, but the Pentagon will need to assess the impact of losing one of its most innovative units. Whether this shift ultimately enhances or hinders national defense efforts will become clearer in the months to come.