Editor's note: This story is posted with permission from the anonymous federal employee who shared it with us. Some edits were made for length and clarity.

I am writing to express my dismay and disbelief at my recent layoff from my position at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I supported several jurisdictions ensuring we were able to assist in mass vaccination tools and resources to minimize outbreaks.

This weekend, on X, Elon posted that all federal employees would receive an email asking them to quantify what they “got done last week,” and ended with a warning that “failure to respond will be taken as a resignation.”

In the tech world, companies often follow the motto "Move fast and break things." This approach encourages quick changes, rapid development, and testing ideas by putting them into the real world—even if that means things sometimes fail. While this can work in the private sector, it is not how government should operate.

In today’s digital world, we enter our personal information online all the time—when applying for jobs, getting healthcare, or even filing taxes. Government agencies and private companies collect and store this sensitive data, making them prime targets for theft. But what happens when that information is stolen?

Imagine two approaches to improving a complex machine. One involves carefully studying the blueprints, understanding how each part interacts, and making precise adjustments to optimize performance. The other involves tearing out components that look broken or superfluous at first glance, then checking to see if the machine still runs without them. In theory, either of these approaches might leave you with a more streamlined machine. The first approach will take longer, but it's a good way to avoid catastrophic failure.

[This post will be the first in a series about agencies impacted by DOGE. To share the story of your agency, contact us at submissions@wethebuilders.org.]

Over the past few weeks, as DOGE set up camp in the offices formerly known as the U.S. Digital Service, reporting has failed to accurately describe the U.S. Digital Service--who they are, what they do, and why it matters.