Elon Musk's cuts in the U.S. Government are affecting the country's cybersecurity

The 18F technology unit of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has faced drastic budget cuts, affecting around 70 software engineers, researchers, and service designers.

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This decision is part of a broader campaign driven by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, aimed at reducing expenses in the federal government.

Founded in 2014, 18F was a pioneer in the development of essential services such as Login.gov, which serves as the central login system for vital programs like Medicaid and Medicare.

A cut that will affect millions of citizens

The elimination of this team has the potential to negatively impact the delivery of government services, affecting various agencies and millions of citizens who depend on these resources.

The employees of 18F have been placed on administrative leave, leaving them without access to their computers and employment data, complicating any orderly transition in their responsibilities. In a statement, the group expresses its concern, indicating that “all their support at work has abruptly come to an end.” Without access to their email, the staff faces the difficulty of coordinating the return of their equipment.

These cuts occur in a broader context of workforce reduction within the federal government, with more than 110,000 federal employees having left their positions since the arrival of the Trump administration. The elimination of 18F follows the dismantling of the U.S. Digital Service, highlighting an aggressive approach towards reducing critical IT infrastructure teams.

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Additionally, DOGE has faced a series of lawsuits for violating the privacy of millions of Americans, adding an additional layer of controversy to its practices. The current situation reflects a critical moment for government technology, hinting at an uncertain future for innovation and access to essential digital services.