The Impact of DOGE on Washington’s Dedicated Public Servants

Beyond the political debates, military contractors, and influential circles in Washington, D.C., lies a community of intelligent, committed individuals who have chosen government roles driven by a desire to contribute positively. Many have devoted their careers to meaningful public service, resisting the allure of higher-paying jobs in finance or tech hubs.

However, this landscape has dramatically shifted this year. The incoming administration and DOGE initiatives have aggressively targeted these dedicated civil servants, aiming to unsettle and reduce the government workforce. As stated by a senior official in the Office of Management and Budget, the goal was to have a profound and traumatic impact on bureaucrats.

This strategy appears to be yielding results.

Many respected colleagues have found themselves unemployed or struggling with deteriorating morale. One longtime U.S.A.I.D. employee, who managed humanitarian aid programs in conflict zones, was laid off due to budget cuts. Others face uncertain futures, including an Environmental Protection Agency official working on hazardous chemical regulations and a Department of Justice civil rights attorney who recently accepted a buyout. Additional departures are anticipated from agencies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

At a recent neighborhood event, I encountered a friend employed as an attorney at the Internal Revenue Service. When asked how she was coping, she responded with a bitter laugh, explaining that her new supervisor was aligned with the DOGE agenda. Her grim assessment led her to question her commitment to public service and the personal cost it has incurred.

Witnessing this unraveling of my community has driven me to seek solace elsewhere. I discovered unexpected comfort in “The Pitt,” a television series set in a fictional Pittsburgh emergency room. Featuring Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael Robinavitch, the show spotlights the heroic efforts of healthcare workers on the front lines. Immersing myself in these stories underscored my longing for narratives that honor those who serve their communities. While popular shows have long celebrated public servants, this portrayal now feels like a nostalgic reflection on a fading era.