PORTLAND, ME — In a fiery 30-minute speech delivered on the Senate floor Thursday, Independent Senator Angus King sharply criticized the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk under the direction of President Donald Trump.
King condemned what he described as reckless firings, elimination of vital government programs, and a disturbing lack of transparency surrounding DOGE’s actions.
“I don’t know what they’re doing. Nobody does,” King said, expressing alarm over the unregulated power given to DOGE agents and the absence of public accountability.
Key Concerns Raised by King
In his speech, King highlighted several critical issues plaguing the Trump administration’s government-cutting initiative:
- Lack of Oversight: DOGE agents appear to be operating without sufficient supervision or legal accountability.
- Unqualified Personnel: King raised concerns about the qualifications of DOGE agents, questioning their security clearances and potential conflicts of interest.
- Unchecked Access to Sensitive Data: The senator pointed to reports that DOGE agents have gained access to sensitive systems within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) without proper vetting.
- Constitutional Violations: King accused the Trump administration of bypassing legal frameworks and disregarding the system of checks and balances embedded in the U.S. Constitution.
“Who are these 25-year-olds rummaging around the IRS system? Do they have security clearances? Do they have conflicts of interest?” King asked, questioning the qualifications of those involved in sensitive government operations.
The Dangers of Indiscriminate Firings and Cuts
King acknowledged the need for government downsizing and efficiency but warned that the indiscriminate firing of federal employees could have serious consequences:
- Loss of Expertise: Firing long-serving federal employees without due process could erode institutional knowledge and weaken the government’s ability to function effectively.
- Elimination of Essential Programs: While DOGE claims to target wasteful spending, critics argue that cuts have disproportionately affected programs vital to education, healthcare, and social services.
- Legal Challenges: Without proper justification for firings, the administration could face mounting legal battles, undermining the very efficiency it claims to promote.
“I’m not against making government smaller, but it has to be done within the framework of the law,” King said.
Transparency Concerns: Who’s Watching DOGE?
King’s most pressing concern lies in the secrecy surrounding DOGE’s operations:
- DOGE’s agents operate with minimal disclosure regarding their identities or qualifications.
- No clear process exists for vetting these agents’ security clearances or ensuring they don’t have conflicts of interest.
- Several watchdog groups, including The Project on Government Oversight (POGO), have filed lawsuits demanding greater transparency and public access to DOGE’s records.
“Transparency is not optional—it’s essential to maintaining the public’s trust in their government,” King emphasized.
A Call for Constitutional Accountability
While King stopped short of calling for DOGE’s outright dismantling, he urged the Trump administration to:
- Follow constitutional procedures for firing government officials, including providing Congress with appropriate notice and justification.
- Respect existing legal frameworks that govern government oversight and transparency.
- Submit DOGE’s actions to independent reviews by agencies like the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and Government Accountability Office (GAO).
King also called on Congress to reassert its constitutional authority by scrutinizing DOGE’s actions and ensuring the executive branch is operating within legal limits.
What’s Next for DOGE?
King’s speech signals growing bipartisan concern over DOGE’s lack of transparency and accountability. In the coming weeks, we could see:
- Congressional hearings on DOGE’s operations, personnel qualifications, and access to sensitive information.
- Investigations by independent watchdogs like the GAO and OIG.
- Lawsuits challenging DOGE’s authority and potential overreach.
Meanwhile, DOGE continues to operate with significant executive power, pushing forward with aggressive cuts across federal agencies despite mounting legal and political challenges.
