INSIGHTS FROM @DOGE ON X FOR THOSE FEELING FEARFUL AND UNCERTAIN
On January 27, 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, entered its second week of reshaping the federal government, following President Trump’s executive order. If you’re someone who leans progressive—concerned about social programs, diversity, or environmental protections—this week’s updates from @DOGE on X might feel like a gut punch. You might worry that these rapid cuts signal a dismantling of the systems you rely on, or even push you to rethink your place in this shifting landscape. That’s a real fear, and this blog is here to help you process it. We’ll break down DOGE’s moves from January 27 to February 2, 2025, straight from their X posts, and suggest ways to find your footing—one step at a time.
JANUARY 27, 2025 – DAY 8: GSA KICKS OFF CUTS
What Happened: The General Services Administration (GSA) began trimming fat and rolling back diversity efforts, as reported in two @DOGE posts:
- “The GSA terminated three leases of mostly empty office space, with tenants relocating to nearby buildings in the GSA portfolio. With savings of $1.6M, these are the first steps to right size the Federal real estate portfolio of more than 7,500 leases.”
- “GSA has repealed 3 internal DEIA policies, eliminated 17 DEIA websites, and removed DEIA language from all known GSA public facing content.”
What It Means for You: Ending leases might save money, but what if it cramps government services later? And scrapping DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) policies feels like a step back from fairness—values you hold close. It’s okay to feel unsettled by this shift, as we move to a merit-based system.
JANUARY 28, 2025 – DAY 9: WATER WINS AND BIG SAVINGS
What Happened: DOGE celebrated a water boost and touted massive daily savings:
- “Congratulations to the Administration and DOI’s Bureau of Reclamation for more than doubling the Federally pumped water flowing toward Southern California in < 72 hours. Was an honor for the DOGE team to work with you. Great job! @Interior @usbr”
- “DOGE is saving the Federal Government approx. $1 billion/day, mostly from stopping the hiring of people into unnecessary positions, deletion of DEI and stopping improper payments to foreign organizations, all consistent with the President’s Executive Orders. A good start, though this number needs to increase to > $3 billion/day.”
How to See It: More water for Southern California is good. And though $1 billion a day in savings—by cutting jobs, DEI, and foreign aid—could shrink the workforce and fairness efforts you care about, there will be jobs in other fields for those that may lose them, such as in providing goods and useful services.
JANUARY 29, 2025 – DAY 10: RESIGNATIONS AND DEI DOWNSIZING
What Happened: DOGE rolled out a resignation perk and slashed more DEI initiatives:
- “Answering the most common question about the Deferred Resignation offer. Can take the vacation you always wanted, or just watch movies and chill, while receiving your full government pay and benefits. https://opm.gov/fork/ https://opm.gov/fork/faq“
- “Following up on the $45 million in DEI scholarships in Burma. This has been cancelled..”
- “Through 1/29/2025, 85 DEIA related contracts totaling ~$1B have been terminated within the Dept. of Ed, GSA, OPM, EPA, DoL, Treasury, DoD, USDA, Commerce, DHS, VA, HHS, State, NSF, NRC, NLRB, PBGC, USAID, RRB, SSA, SBA, BLM, CFPB, NPS, and NOAA.”
Why It’s Worth Watching: Will paying people to leave drain talent from agencies you depend on? For example in Education or HHS? Cancelling $45 million in Burma scholarships for DEI and $1 billion in DEI contracts across dozens of departments could feel like a broad swipe at global equity and inclusion—this stuff may or may not matter to you, but it is a lot to take in.
FEBRUARY 2, 2025 – DAY 13: BUILDINGS AND BROADCASTS
What Happened: DOGE ramped up lease cuts and hosted a big X Spaces event:
- “In the past 6 days, the number of lease terminations of underutilized buildings has increased from 3 to 22, with savings increased from $1.6M to $44.6M.”
- “First DOGE 𝕏 Spaces Conversation with @ElonMusk, @VivekGRamaswamy and @SenJoniErnst Live Now.”
What’s at Play Here: More lease cuts—now 22—might save cash but will it help or hurt local jobs or services down the line? The X Spaces chat, featuring Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Senator Joni Ernst, was a high-profile moment that laid out DOGE’s vision. Hearing them strategize in real-time, with thousands tuning in, might make you feel like these changes are locking in fast, leaving little room for your voice. But, to be sure, before cancelling these three people, it is best to listen to live X Space yourself. You can listen at this link.
FINDING YOUR FOOTING—WHAT YOU CAN DO
DOGE’s second week was based—$44.6 million in lease savings, $1 billion daily cuts, and a full-on DEI rollback. If you’re scared that Elon’s efficiency drive—amplified by that X Spaces spotlight—will shred the safety nets, diversity efforts, or climate priorities you cherish, you’re not alone. It might even have you googling “moving to Canada.” We get it, and it’s okay to feel that way.
Here’s how to steady yourself:
- Stay Informed: Follow @DOGE on X for the raw updates—no media spin. It’s your best shot at knowing what’s really happening.
- Connect with Others: Share your fears with friends or online groups who feel the same. That X Spaces buzz showed how public this is—lean on your crew to process it, and be willing to listen calmly to friends that might actually like what Elon is doing. Listening cannot hurt.
- Write Your Reps: Tell your elected officials what you need—healthcare, education — but probably not millions more in scholarships for DEI in Burma, that was a bit much. Your letters can stack up and push back.
- Take It Week by Week: Stick with “DOGE Diaries” every Monday. We’ll break down the moves—like that X Spaces reveal—and what they mean, no fluff.
A BIT OF REASSURANCE
Week 2 was a whirlwind—lease terminations jumped from 3 to 22, DEI took a $1 billion hit, and that X Spaces convo with Musk, Ramaswamy, and Ernst put DOGE’s plans on blast. It’s fair to wonder if this leaves space for the America we all believe in—one that lifts up the vulnerable and fights for fairness. The pace and scale might make you feel pushed out, but this isn’t the whole story yet. You’ve got tools: watching @DOGE, spending time with your people, supporting them offline. You don’t have to figure it all out today. We’re in this with you, week by week.
DOGE Diaries: Your Weekly Guide to Government Efficiency Updates
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