Speaker says Jan. 20, 2025 executive order creating "Doge" spurred mass federal departures and $135 billion cost

An unidentified speaker told listeners that President Trump’s Jan. 20, 2025 executive order creating "Doge" has precipitated a large exodus from the federal workforce, saying "we've had about over 317,000 federal workers leaving the government, either fired or resigned or simply left."

The speaker said the departures have left remaining employees with low morale and greater workload, calling it "a massive brain drain for our entire country." The speaker also said Virginia was affected and that "My district alone, over 24,000 people have lost their jobs just in the federal civil service."

The speaker framed the order as an effort intended to save money but cited what they described as "one estimate" that "DOGE has actually cost taxpayers $135,000,000,000," asserting the policy increased costs rather than delivering savings. The speaker said they had spoken directly with affected employees and relayed their concern that the departures threatened ongoing projects and program mandates.

The remarks concluded with the speaker thanking colleagues "for being here and fighting with us" and urging Congress to prioritize the issue to ensure the federal workforce continues to serve the public. The speaker then yielded back.