Val Hoyle Leaves Department of Government Efficiency Caucus Citing Elon Musk's Impact

Trump voters Theresa Albano and Ranger Irwin joined 'The Story' to discuss the Democratic backlash over the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) efforts to streamline the federal government.

Rep. Val Hoyle, D-Ore., announced on Thursday that she is leaving the congressional DOGE Caucus due to Elon Musk's cost-cutting measures within the executive branch.

Hoyle stated her intentions for joining the caucus were to serve her constituents’ tax dollars and promote government efficiency. However, she claimed Musk's actions, which are separate from the congressional caucus, have made it impossible to fulfill those goals, asserting that DOGE aims to funnel funds to offer tax breaks to billionaires at the expense of working people.

"I joined to be a voice for working people and their interests. But it is impossible to fix the system when Elon Musk is actively breaking it, so I have made the decision to leave," Hoyle wrote on X late Thursday.

She criticized Musk and his team for undermining the government and asserted that their actions rip off Americans who rely on government services for dignity.

The newly created agency, a key promise of President Donald Trump's re-election campaign, is designed to cut government waste and enhance transparency in government spending. Instituted via executive order, it is a temporary organization expected to operate for 18 months until July 4, 2026.

Hoyle expressed concern over Musk's team having access to sensitive Department of Treasury payment systems and alleged that they used intimidation tactics against public servants.

A federal judge recently blocked DOGE from accessing records maintained by the Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service, limiting access to only two "special government employees" within DOGE with read-only permissions.

Hoyle voiced doubt about her or either party's ability to influence change within the caucus while expressing her frustrations: "It's like trying to replace your roof when someone's throwing dynamite through the window." She plans to continue her efforts to find efficiencies outside of DOGE.

The DOGE's influence has particularly unsettled Democrats following its recent targeting of the USAID, leading to the dismissal of 50 top officials and the agency's integration into the State Department. This was followed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio's pause of all U.S. foreign assistance funded through the State Department and USAID, resulting in thousands of halted programs worldwide.

DOGE has focused on eliminating DEI programs, consulting contracts, and various lease terminations, claiming total savings of approximately $30 million from twelve canceled contracts with the Government Services Administration and Department of Education, along with $3 million from canceled leases. As of January 28, DOGE reported saving the federal government around $1 billion daily by eliminating unnecessary positions and improper payments.