GSA shutting down 18F was ‘retaliation’ by DOGE, former staff claim in appeal for their jobs back | Federal News Network

Summary

Former employees of 18F, a government digital services unit within the GSA, allege that its shutdown by DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) constituted illegal retaliation, and are appealing to get their jobs back. The team had reportedly worked on technology modernization and digital services for federal agencies. The case raises questions about the politically motivated dismantling of federal tech capacity.

Key Points

• •Former 18F employees claim GSA's shutdown of the digital services unit was retaliatory action by DOGE, not a legitimate cost-cutting measure.
• •18F was a federal tech modernization team that helped agencies build and improve digital services and software.
• •Staff are filing appeals to challenge their terminations and seek reinstatement, arguing the closure was improper.
• •The shutdown is part of broader DOGE-driven reductions across federal agencies that critics say target effective government functions.
• •The case highlights tensions between efficiency-driven federal workforce reductions and the legal protections afforded to government employees.