Ukraine's digital minister announces DOGE-like initiative inside government
Photo: Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The Ukrainian government is planning to launch an analogue of Elon Musk’s DOGE department to help reduce public spending, said Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov.
"I plan to launch an analog of DOGE for several projects. We urgently need to cut expenses and evaluate efficiency. I’ll be looking for someone to lead this effort," Fedorov wrote.
What is DOGE
DOGE is the name of the US department that deals with budget cuts and was headed by billionaire Elon Musk in the first months of Donald Trump's presidency.
Despite its name, DOGE is not a Cabinet-level department of the US government. It is a temporary governmental organization operating under contract and created by executive order. Its mandate is set to end on July 4, 2026.
Since its inception, DOGE has been surrounded by controversy. Critics, including members of the Democratic Party, have accused the organization of overstepping its authority, calling its actions a power grab, freeze, or even a coup.
Legal experts have raised concerns over potential violations of federal law, particularly in areas involving access to personal and confidential information. DOGE’s practice of liquidating agencies and reallocating funds previously approved by Congress has drawn criticism as unconstitutional, with experts arguing it breaches Article I of the US Constitution and could trigger a constitutional crisis.
In response, the White House and Republican officials have defended DOGE and its leadership, claiming the organization operates fully within the bounds of federal law. They emphasize that DOGE’s efforts are essential for modernizing the federal government and ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently.
In May, Elon Musk left DOGE. He announced that his tenure as a special government employee was coming to an end.
