The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is proposing to charge the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) millions of dollars for its services. According to a draft agreement, OPM would be required to pay for 20 full-time positions in Musk's department for work between January 20 and July 4, 2026, potentially totaling over $4 million.
The agreement outlines that DOGE's work would involve modernizing OPM's systems, citing an urgent need for IT modernization that the agency cannot handle independently. OPM is expected to grant DOGE access to its data and systems, along with operational and technical support.
While DOGE and Musk claim to enhance government efficiency and save taxpayer money, critics argue that their actions could lead to federal job cuts and compromise sensitive government data. The group's budget and operations remain largely undisclosed, shielded from public records laws as it operates within the Office of Management and Budget under the executive office of the president.
President Donald Trump appointed Musk as a 'special government employee,' positioning him as an advisor with executive privilege protections. The draft agreement mandates OPM to make advance monthly payments for DOGE's services, with a provision for potential reimbursement if less work is performed.
Despite the controversy surrounding DOGE's funding and operations, Musk maintains that the software engineers working for the department could earn significantly more in the private sector. The agreement specifies funding for 20 full-time positions at a base annual rate, potentially amounting to $4.1 million over 17 and a half months.
OPM declined to comment on the matter, highlighting the complex dynamics of the agreement and the implications for federal agencies forced to engage with DOGE for services.
