Rep. Val Hoyle, a Democrat from Oregon, announced her departure from the Congressional Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus on Thursday, citing concerns over Elon Musk’s influence and actions within the agency. Hoyle’s resignation comes amid rising tensions surrounding DOGE’s efforts to streamline federal operations and its controversial initiatives that have sparked backlash among Democrats.
In her statement, Hoyle expressed her frustration with Musk’s cost-cutting measures, which she believes undermine the caucus’s mission to enhance government efficiency and accountability. She criticized Musk’s involvement, claiming it interferes with the caucus’s goals and accused him of prioritizing profit over the needs of working Americans. "It is impossible for us to do that important work when unelected billionaire Elon Musk and his lackeys insist on burning down the government—and the law—to line his own pockets," Hoyle stated.
DOGE was established as part of President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign promises, with the aim of reducing government waste and increasing transparency in federal spending. The agency, created through an executive order, is designed to operate for 18 months, concluding its activities on July 4, 2026. However, its recent actions, particularly targeting the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), have led to significant upheaval, including the dismissal of 50 top officials and a temporary halt to U.S. foreign assistance programs.
Hoyle’s resignation is particularly noteworthy given the timing; it follows a series of aggressive moves by DOGE that have drawn sharp criticism from Democrats. Just days before her announcement, the agency’s actions resulted in a 90-day pause of thousands of U.S.-funded humanitarian and development programs, causing layoffs among aid organizations that rely on federal funding.
The congresswoman voiced her concerns about Musk’s team accessing sensitive Treasury Department payment systems, alleging that their presence has fostered an environment of intimidation for public servants. "It’s like trying to replace your roof when someone’s throwing dynamite through the window," she remarked, highlighting the chaotic situation within the caucus.
In light of her resignation, Hoyle affirmed her commitment to finding efficiencies in government operations but expressed doubt about the feasibility of achieving those goals under the current circumstances. "I will continue to do the work to find efficiencies, but right now I just don’t think it’s possible with what’s happening," she concluded.
As DOGE continues to target various federal programs, including the cancellation of contracts and lease terminations, the political fallout from Hoyle’s departure is likely to resonate within Congress, further complicating the agency’s efforts to implement its agenda. The ongoing developments surrounding DOGE and its controversial leadership will be closely monitored as they unfold in the coming months.