A sweeping change in federal hiring policies is set to expand the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) role in managing government technology, shifting key IT leadership roles to political appointees. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a memo calling for chief information officer (CIO) positions to be reclassified as general positions rather than career-reserved roles.
The deadline for agencies to request the change is Feb. 14, allowing more flexibility in hiring CIOs from outside the career civil service. The memo argues that these roles have evolved beyond technical oversight and now play a significant part in shaping public policy on technology, procurement, and security. DOGE, originally the U.S. Digital Service, is leading efforts to modernize how federal agencies manage their digital infrastructure.
The U.S. government currently spends about $163 billion annually on IT services, relying on multiple contractors rather than a centralized system. DOGE aims to streamline these operations under a more efficient framework, aligning with President Donald Trump’s broader push to reduce waste in government. The administration has emphasized that new CIOs will prioritize security, procurement efficiency, and accessibility while pulling back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The changes have sparked controversy. Protests have been held outside OPM’s Washington headquarters, with critics warning that shifting CIO roles to political appointments could threaten the neutrality of government agencies. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has accused the administration of attempting a “coup” by placing DOGE-aligned figures in key positions. Meanwhile, federal employees have reported receiving buyout offers encouraging them to resign.
In addition to political pushback, DOGE faces legal challenges. A lawsuit has been filed against the Treasury Department, accusing Secretary Scott Bessent of providing DOGE personnel access to confidential financial data. The complaint, led by labor unions, alleges that personal information—including names, Social Security numbers, and banking details—was shared without authorization. A judge has temporarily restricted DOGE from accessing Treasury records as the legal process unfolds.
Despite the controversy, Musk and former DOGE co-lead Vivek Ramaswamy have argued that major reforms are necessary. Musk has described his role as a “volunteer IT consultant,” emphasizing that outdated procurement practices contribute to inefficiency and waste. Ramaswamy has pointed to the government’s fragmented IT landscape as a key area in need of improvement.
