DOGE and Its Impact on American Traditions and Policies

A demonstrator displayed a sign during a rally on February 17, 2025, in Los Angeles. The protest was against policies by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. These actions reflect tactics used by the Trump administration, which often moved from one contentious attack on American political traditions to another. This approach made it challenging for citizens to hold the government accountable.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) played a significant role during the initial 100 days of President Trump’s second term. This department aggressively targeted federal agencies, conducting purges under the guise of eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse. An expert described the cuts by DOGE to these agencies as substantial, deep, and indiscriminate. DOGE acted with little regard for the law, driven by a president determined to impose his agenda and priorities on executive branch agencies, regardless of Congressional agreement.

One notable example of DOGE’s actions was its intervention in the operations of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Under DOGE’s influence, almost all active grants from the Biden administration were rescinded, and two-thirds of the NEH staff were dismissed. On May 7, Judge Colleen McMahon of the Federal District Court in Manhattan issued a ruling on DOGE’s handling of the endowment, labeling it as almost comically irresponsible. This decision should prompt Americans to take action against an administration that has adopted DOGE’s modus operandi in many areas.

Judge McMahon stated that the viewpoint discrimination practiced by DOGE violates the First Amendment. She noted DOGE’s efforts to target and eliminate grants based on perceived disfavored ideas.

Trump redirected federal funds to promote works he deemed patriotic, withdrawing support from anything critical of the country or committed to diversity. McMahon highlighted DOGE’s deliberate attempt to eliminate grants linked to perceived associations with the Biden administration. She also criticized the two young DOGE employees assigned to the endowment. Both had negligible experience and used AI tools like ChatGPT to analyze grant abstracts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Despite the clear legal language granting decision-making power to the agency’s chair, DOGE representatives pressured for swift action to align with the new administration, disregarding constitutional limits.

Judge McMahon’s decision underscores the importance of upholding legal principles, even amidst political ambitions for unchecked power. The memory of DOGE’s actions serves as a crucial reminder of the Trump administration’s use of governmental power to penalize ideological opponents. There is a need to remember the facts and multiple assaults on established rules and traditions.

Austin Sarat, a professor at Amherst College, emphasizes maintaining awareness of DOGE’s actions and McMahon’s detailed account to safeguard democratic values.