Archive — US — techcrunch
Founder Sahil Lavingia says he was booted from DOGE after just 55 days
Sahil Lavingia recounts his brief 55-day experience at DOGE, part of the VA's reorganization under Trump. He faced strict layoff rules, limited authority, and lack of efficiency within the agency. While he contributed various tools, he was dismissed after sharing his experience with the media, illustrating challenges in modernizing government with tech talent.
Key points
- Sahil Lavingia worked for DOGE as a volunteer software engineer for the VA for 55 days.
- He was tasked with identifying wasteful contracts but found layoff rules based on seniority and veteran status, not performance.
- DOGE had no direct authority; real decisions came from agency heads, acting as a 'fall guy' for unpopular decisions.
- Lavingia developed tools for analyzing contracts and internal documents but could not implement projects that would improve veterans' services.
- He was dismissed after discussing his work with media, highlighting issues within the organization.
Why it matters
- DOGE's experience reflects ongoing challenges in integrating technology into large government agencies.
- Similar sentiments are echoed in current IT trends emphasizing the need for agile methodologies and innovation in government services.
- In 2025, the intersection of public service and tech startups continues to be a topic of debate, especially regarding efficiency and efficacy.
Lavingia's short stint at DOGE underscores the complexities of modernizing government organizations and the potential disconnect between tech approaches and bureaucratic structures, raising questions on how best to leverage tech talent for public service improvement.